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. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, yellowish-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. 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 yellow.

How to tell apart: Novodneprite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5-2.75); 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: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Granular aggregates, inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: hydrothermal gold deposits

Where rockhounds find novodneprite

Classic worldwide localities

Novodneprovskoe deposit, Kazakhstan (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: hydrothermal gold deposits. If you start seeing gold, altaite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular aggregates, inclusions. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify novodneprite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: metallic. The streak is white. Common colors include white, yellowish-white.

Where is novodneprite found?+

Notable localities include Novodneprovskoe deposit, Kazakhstan (type locality).

Is novodneprite safe to handle?+

Novodneprite contains lead. Contains lead, which is toxic; wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens and avoid creating dust or ingesting particles.

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?+

Where it forms: 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.