Stannopalladinite is a rare palladium-tin alloy typically found in copper-nickel sulfide ore bodies. It occurs as microscopic grains or intergrowths with other platinum-group minerals, requiring high-magnification microscopy or SEM analysis for definitive identification.
Is this stannopalladinite?
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 stannopalladinite with a known reference. Stannopalladinite 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. Stannopalladinite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Stannopalladinite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: silver-white, grayish-white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions in other platinum group minerals.
Often confused with
Stannopalladinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside stannopalladinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with stannopalladinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pd₃Sn₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 11.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Inclusions in Other Platinum Group Minerals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Copper-nickel Sulfide Deposits
- Typical price
- $200-800 per specimen
Where rockhounds find stannopalladinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Talnakh deposit, Russia
- Oktyabrsky mine, Russia
- Stillwater complex, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in copper-nickel sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where stannopalladinite typically forms. If you start seeing sperrylite, chalcopyrite, pentlandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, inclusions in other platinum group minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify stannopalladinite?+
Where is stannopalladinite found?+
How much is stannopalladinite worth?+
What rocks look like stannopalladinite?+
What minerals are found with stannopalladinite?+
What kind of rock does stannopalladinite form in?+
What is stannopalladinite used for?+
Find stannopalladinite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
