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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Palladodymite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this palladodymite?

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

mineral

Arsenopalladinite

Mohs 3.5

How to tell apart: Palladodymite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5).

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: White Light Gray
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 — that is 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?+

Mohs hardness is 5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, light gray.

Where is palladodymite found?+

Notable localities include Itabira district, Brazil; Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa; Norilsk, Russia.

How much is palladodymite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is palladodymite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not ingest dust or inhale particles during specimen preparation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like palladodymite?+

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

What minerals are found with palladodymite?+

Palladodymite commonly co-occurs with Palladium, Gold, Hematite, Potarite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does palladodymite form in?+

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

What is palladodymite used for?+

Palladodymite is used in collector.

Find palladodymite on the map

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