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

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Skaergaardite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
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 black 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, so Skaergaardite leaves black, 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: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Microscopic Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Research
Host rock: Mafic Igneous Layered Intrusions

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, 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 black. Common colors include white.

Where is skaergaardite found?+

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

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

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