Shadlunite is a rare lead-bearing member of the pentlandite group typically found within copper-nickel sulfide ore bodies. It occurs as massive, brass-yellow to bronze aggregates that are nearly impossible to distinguish from similar sulfides without laboratory analysis like X-ray diffraction.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePentlandite Group family

Shadlunite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this shadlunite?

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 shadlunite with a known reference. Shadlunite sits at Mohs 3.5-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shadlunite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shadlunite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brass-yellow, bronze.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pentlandite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Shadlunite leaves black, Pentlandite leaves light bronze-brown.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Shadlunite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.

Often found alongside shadlunite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Pb,Cd)(Fe,Cu)₈S₈
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 4.95-5.05 g/cm³
Colors: Brass-yellow Bronze
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Copper-nickel Sulfide Ore Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find shadlunite

Classic worldwide localities

Talnakh deposit, Russia
Norilsk, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify shadlunite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include brass-yellow, bronze.

Where is shadlunite found?+

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

How much is shadlunite worth?+

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

Is shadlunite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and cadmium; wash hands thoroughly after handling to avoid ingestion or skin absorption. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like shadlunite?+

Shadlunite is most often confused with Pentlandite, Chalcopyrite, Cubanite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with shadlunite?+

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

What kind of rock does shadlunite form in?+

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

What is shadlunite used for?+

Shadlunite is used in collector.

Find shadlunite on the map

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