Milotaite is an extremely rare palladium antimony telluride mineral discovered in the Czech Republic. It is typically found as microscopic grains embedded within sulfide-rich hydrothermal ores, making it a highly sought-after species for mineralogical research and advanced collections.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSulfosalt family

Milotaite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this milotaite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch milotaite with a known reference. Milotaite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Milotaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Milotaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains.

Often confused with

Milotaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside milotaite

Minerals reported to co-occur with milotaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: PdSbTe
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 6.3-6.5 g/cm³
Colors: Gray White
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral to Subhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find milotaite

Classic worldwide localities

Cerný Důl, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where milotaite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify milotaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, white.

Where is milotaite found?+

Notable localities include Cerný Důl, Czech Republic.

How much is milotaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is milotaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and antimony; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or powder. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like milotaite?+

Milotaite is most often confused with Froodite, Kotulskite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with milotaite?+

Milotaite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does milotaite form in?+

Milotaite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is milotaite used for?+

Milotaite is used in collector.

Find milotaite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.