Pakhomovskyite is an exceptionally rare palladium phosphate mineral typically found in the heavy mineral concentrates of placer deposits. It usually appears as minute, pale, tabular crystals associated with platinum-group minerals in ultramafic environments.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareVivianite Group family

Pakhomovskyite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this pakhomovskyite?

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 pakhomovskyite with a known reference. Pakhomovskyite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pakhomovskyite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Pakhomovskyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Vivianite

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Pakhomovskyite leaves white, Vivianite leaves white to light blue.

How to tell apart: Gorceixite is the harder of the two (Mohs 4.5-5.5 vs. 2).

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Often found alongside pakhomovskyite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pd₃(PO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.85 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Aggregates
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Igneous Rocks, Placer Deposits
Typical price: $500-2000 per specimen

Where rockhounds find pakhomovskyite

Classic worldwide localities

Konder Massif, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic igneous rocks, placer deposits country, the host setting where pakhomovskyite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, isoferroplatinum, tulameenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify pakhomovskyite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pale yellow.

Where is pakhomovskyite found?+

Notable localities include Konder Massif, Russia.

How much is pakhomovskyite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $500-2000 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is pakhomovskyite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains palladium and phosphorous; handle with care and wash hands after handling to avoid ingestion or inhalation of fine particles. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like pakhomovskyite?+

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

What minerals are found with pakhomovskyite?+

Pakhomovskyite commonly co-occurs with Gold, Isoferroplatinum, Tulameenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pakhomovskyite form in?+

Pakhomovskyite typically forms in ultramafic igneous rocks, placer deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is pakhomovskyite used for?+

Pakhomovskyite is used in collector.

Find pakhomovskyite on the map

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