Pašavaite is a rare palladium lead sulfide discovered in the polymetallic sulfide deposits of the Czech Republic. It typically occurs as minute, metallic grains within sulfide ores, requiring microscopic analysis for positive identification.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Pašavaite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this pašavaite?

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 pašavaite with a known reference. Pašavaite 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. Pašavaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Pašavaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Pašavaite leaves white, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Palladseite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-4 vs. 2); streak differs — Pašavaite leaves white, Palladseite leaves black.

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Often found alongside pašavaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pd₃Pb₂S₂
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 6.64 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary-hosted Sulfide Deposits
Typical price: $50-300+ depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find pašavaite

Classic worldwide localities

Pašava, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary-hosted sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where pašavaite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pyrite, sphalerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify pašavaite?+

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

Where is pašavaite found?+

Notable localities include Pašava, Czech Republic.

How much is pašavaite worth?+

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

Is pašavaite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like pašavaite?+

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

What minerals are found with pašavaite?+

Pašavaite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Pyrite, Sphalerite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does pašavaite form in?+

Pašavaite typically forms in sedimentary-hosted sulfide deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is pašavaite used for?+

Pašavaite is used in collector.

Find pašavaite on the map

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