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.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Plumbopalladinite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this plumbopalladinite?

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 plumbopalladinite with a known reference. Plumbopalladinite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Plumbopalladinite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Plumbopalladinite 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: grains, inclusions.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Plumbopalladinite leaves black, Paolovite leaves greyish black.

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: Pd₃Pb
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 12.72 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Grains, Inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Copper-nickel Sulfide Deposits
Typical price: $100-500+ for micro-mounts

Where rockhounds find plumbopalladinite

Classic worldwide localities

Talnakh deposit, Norilsk, Russia
Oktyabrskoye deposit, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in copper-nickel sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where plumbopalladinite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, cubanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains, inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify plumbopalladinite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, pale yellow.

Where is plumbopalladinite found?+

Notable localities include Talnakh deposit, Norilsk, Russia; Oktyabrskoye deposit, Russia.

How much is plumbopalladinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ for micro-mounts. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is plumbopalladinite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like plumbopalladinite?+

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

What minerals are found with plumbopalladinite?+

Plumbopalladinite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Pentlandite, Cubanite, Stannite, Sperrylite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does plumbopalladinite form in?+

Plumbopalladinite typically forms in copper-nickel sulfide deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is plumbopalladinite used for?+

Plumbopalladinite is used in collector.

Find plumbopalladinite on the map

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