Skaergaardite is a rare palladium-copper intermetallic mineral that typically occurs as microscopic inclusions within other metallic minerals. It is primarily recognized as a significant component of platinum-group element mineralization in layered igneous complexes.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Skaergaardite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this skaergaardite?

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 skaergaardite with a known reference. Skaergaardite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Skaergaardite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Skaergaardite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: microscopic grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Gold

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Skaergaardite leaves white, Gold leaves golden yellow.

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Often found alongside skaergaardite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PdCu
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 9.9 g/cm³
Colors: White
Streak: White
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Microscopic Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Research
Host rock: Mafic Igneous Layered Intrusions
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find skaergaardite

Classic worldwide localities

Skaergaard intrusion, Greenland
Stillwater Complex, USA
Bushveld Complex, South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Look in mafic igneous layered intrusions country — that is the host setting where skaergaardite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, ilmenite, bornite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify skaergaardite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white.

Where is skaergaardite found?+

Notable localities include Skaergaard intrusion, Greenland; Stillwater Complex, USA; Bushveld Complex, South Africa.

How much is skaergaardite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is skaergaardite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains palladium and copper; avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust during sample preparation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like skaergaardite?+

Skaergaardite is most often confused with Gold. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with skaergaardite?+

Skaergaardite commonly co-occurs with Magnetite, Ilmenite, Bornite, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does skaergaardite form in?+

Skaergaardite typically forms in mafic igneous layered intrusions. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is skaergaardite used for?+

Skaergaardite is used in collector, research.

Find skaergaardite on the map

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