Novodneprite is an extremely rare intermetallic compound of gold and lead. It is primarily found as microscopic inclusions within gold ores in hydrothermal deposits, making it a highly prized rarity for serious mineral collectors.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAu-Pb System family

Novodneprite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this novodneprite?

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 novodneprite with a known reference. Novodneprite sits at Mohs 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. Novodneprite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Novodneprite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, yellowish-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: granular aggregates, inclusions.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Gold

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Novodneprite leaves white, Gold leaves golden yellow.

How to tell apart: Novodneprite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Novodneprite leaves white, Galena leaves lead-gray.

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Often found alongside novodneprite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: AuPb₃
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 15.0 g/cm³
Colors: White Yellowish-white
Streak: White
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Granular Aggregates, Inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Gold Deposits
Typical price: $100-500+ for micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find novodneprite

Classic worldwide localities

Novodneprovskoye deposit, Kazakhstan

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal gold deposits country, the host setting where novodneprite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, altaite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular aggregates, inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify novodneprite?+

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

Where is novodneprite found?+

Notable localities include Novodneprovskoye deposit, Kazakhstan.

How much is novodneprite worth?+

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

Is novodneprite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, which is toxic; wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens and avoid creating dust or ingesting particles. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like novodneprite?+

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

What minerals are found with novodneprite?+

Novodneprite commonly co-occurs with Gold, Altaite, Galena, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does novodneprite form in?+

Novodneprite typically forms in hydrothermal gold deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is novodneprite used for?+

Novodneprite is used in collector.

Find novodneprite on the map

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