Plumbopalladinite is a rare palladium-lead alloy occurring primarily in massive copper-nickel sulfide deposits. It is typically found as microscopic grains or intergrowths within other ore minerals, requiring microscopic analysis for positive identification.
Is this plumbopalladinite?
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 plumbopalladinite with a known reference. Plumbopalladinite 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. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: aggregates, microscopic crystals.
Often confused with
Plumbopalladinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Plumbopalladinite leaves black, Paolovite leaves grayish black.
How to tell apart: Plumbopalladinite is noticeably harder (Mohs ~5 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs, so Plumbopalladinite leaves black, Polarite leaves white.
Often found alongside plumbopalladinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with plumbopalladinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂Pd₃
- Mohs hardness
- ~5
- Density
- 12.4 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, microscopic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In Ni–Cu sulfide ores (Talnakh area, Russia)
Where rockhounds find plumbopalladinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Stillwater complex, Montana, USA
- Majak mine, Talnakh area, Noril’sk region, western Siberia, Russia (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In Ni–Cu sulfide ores (Talnakh area, Russia). If you start seeing cubanite, talnakhite, polarite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find plumbopalladinite on the map
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