Pampaloite is an extremely rare antimony-gold oxide mineral discovered in the Pampalo gold mine in Finland. It typically occurs as small yellowish aggregates closely associated with primary gold and aurostibite mineralization. Collectors are unlikely to encounter this species outside of specialized research collections.

Hardness

1.5

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Pampaloite

Hardness: 1.5
Luster: Resinous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this pampaloite?

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 pampaloite with a known reference. Pampaloite sits at Mohs 1.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pampaloite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Pampaloite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Stibiconite

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Stibiconite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 1.5); streak differs — Pampaloite leaves yellow, Stibiconite leaves white; luster reads resinous on Pampaloite and dull on Stibiconite.

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Often found alongside pampaloite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: SbAuO₄
Mohs hardness: 1.5
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Microcrystalline Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Gold-bearing Quartz Veins
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find pampaloite

Classic worldwide localities

Pampalo gold mine, Ilomantsi, Finland

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal gold-bearing quartz veins country — that is the host setting where pampaloite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, quartz, aurostibite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify pampaloite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is pampaloite found?+

Notable localities include Pampalo gold mine, Ilomantsi, Finland.

How much is pampaloite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is pampaloite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains antimony, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like pampaloite?+

Pampaloite is most often confused with Stibiconite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with pampaloite?+

Pampaloite commonly co-occurs with Gold, Quartz, Aurostibite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pampaloite form in?+

Pampaloite typically forms in hydrothermal gold-bearing quartz veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is pampaloite used for?+

Pampaloite is used in collector.

Find pampaloite on the map

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