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 — Shadlunite leaves black, Pentlandite leaves light bronze-brown.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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.