Native cadmium is an exceptionally rare metallic mineral found as tiny grains in specialized hydrothermal environments or specific meteorite impacts. It is typically silvery-white when fresh but tarnishes quickly to a dull gray, requiring careful storage in airtight containers to prevent oxidation.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Native Cadmium

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this native cadmium?

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 native cadmium with a known reference. Native Cadmium sits at Mohs 2-2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Native Cadmium leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Native Cadmium typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Zinc

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Native Cadmium leaves white, Zinc leaves light gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Native Cadmium leaves white, Lead leaves blue-gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside native cadmium

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cd
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 8.65 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins, Meteorites
Typical price: $200-1000 per specimen

Where rockhounds find native cadmium

Classic worldwide localities

Vilyui River, Russia
Khatyrka meteorite site, Russia
Chineysky massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins, meteorites country — that is the host setting where native cadmium typically forms. If you start seeing zinc, lead, gold in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify native cadmium?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, gray.

Where is native cadmium found?+

Notable localities include Vilyui River, Russia; Khatyrka meteorite site, Russia; Chineysky massif, Russia.

How much is native cadmium worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is native cadmium safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or particles; ingestion or skin absorption can lead to severe health issues. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like native cadmium?+

Native Cadmium is most often confused with Zinc, Lead. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with native cadmium?+

Native Cadmium commonly co-occurs with Zinc, Lead, Gold. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does native cadmium form in?+

Native Cadmium typically forms in hydrothermal veins, meteorites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is native cadmium used for?+

Native Cadmium is used in collector.

Find native cadmium on the map

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