Polarite is an extremely rare palladium bismuth-lead mineral found primarily within platinum-group element (PGE) deposits. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains associated with other sulfides and platinum-group minerals, making it a challenging find for field collectors. Because of its rarity and metallic nature, it is highly prized among advanced mineralogists focusing on ore microscopy.
Is this polarite?
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 polarite with a known reference. Polarite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Polarite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Polarite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, microscopic inclusions.
Often confused with
Polarite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside polarite
Minerals reported to co-occur with polarite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PdBiPb
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 12.8-13.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Microscopic Inclusions
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Mafic and Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and purity
Where rockhounds find polarite
Classic worldwide localities
- Medvezhii Creek, Russia
- Norilsk, Russia
- Stillwater Complex, USA
- Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks country, the host setting where polarite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, microscopic inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find polarite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
