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

No image

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, so Native Cadmium leaves white, Zinc leaves light gray.

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

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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, 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.