Padmaite is a very rare palladium bismuth selenide mineral that typically occurs as microscopic grains within ore bodies. It is primarily identified through electron microprobe analysis due to its minute size and complex association with other platinum-group minerals.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Padmaite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this padmaite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside padmaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PdBiSe
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 6.57 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $200-800 per specimen

Where rockhounds find padmaite

Classic worldwide localities

Kusovinsky, Russia
Hope's Nose, England

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where padmaite typically forms. If you start seeing atheneite, potarite, 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 padmaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, pale yellow.

Where is padmaite found?+

Notable localities include Kusovinsky, Russia; Hope's Nose, England.

How much is padmaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-800 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is padmaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains selenium and bismuth; avoid inhaling dust or ingesting particles as it may be toxic. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like padmaite?+

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

What minerals are found with padmaite?+

Padmaite commonly co-occurs with Atheneite, Potarite, Gold, Sperrylite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does padmaite form in?+

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

What is padmaite used for?+

Padmaite is used in collector.

Find padmaite on the map

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