Palladobismutharsenide is a rare palladium mineral found primarily in platinum-group element-rich magmatic sulfide deposits. It usually occurs as microscopic anhedral grains intergrown with other platinum-group minerals and sulfides, requiring microscopic identification for positive confirmation.
Is this palladobismutharsenide?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch palladobismutharsenide with a known reference. Palladobismutharsenide sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Palladobismutharsenide leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Palladobismutharsenide typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Palladobismutharsenide vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside palladobismutharsenide
Minerals reported to co-occur with palladobismutharsenide. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pd₂AsBi
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 9.95 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Magmatic Sulfide Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find palladobismutharsenide
Classic worldwide localities
- Norilsk, Russia
- Stillwater Complex, USA
- Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in magmatic sulfide deposits country, the host setting where palladobismutharsenide typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, bornite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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