Palladodymite is a rare palladium arsenide typically found in trace amounts within platinum-group element (PGE) deposits. It usually occurs as microscopic grains within ore minerals and is highly sought after by advanced systematic collectors of platinum-group minerals.
Is this palladodymite?
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 palladodymite with a known reference. Palladodymite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Palladodymite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Palladodymite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, light gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: granular to massive.
Often confused with
Palladodymite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside palladodymite
Minerals reported to co-occur with palladodymite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Pd,Rh)₂As
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 9.7 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Granular to Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Iron Formations
- Typical price
- $50-300 per small specimen
Where rockhounds find palladodymite
Classic worldwide localities
- Itabira district, Brazil
- Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa
- Norilsk, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in iron formations country, the host setting where palladodymite typically forms. If you start seeing palladium, gold, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular to massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify palladodymite?+
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Find palladodymite on the map
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