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 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown pink, pale pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: cubic crystals.
Often confused with
Stannopalladinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Stannopalladinite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5); streak differs, so Stannopalladinite leaves black, Potarite leaves silver-white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Stannopalladinite leaves black, Paolovite leaves grayish black.
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
- (Pd,Cu)₃Sn
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 10.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Brown pinkPale pink
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Cubic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- In sulfide Cu-Ni ores (Noril'sk region (?), USSR)
Where rockhounds find stannopalladinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Monchegorsk, Kola Peninsula, Russia (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In sulfide Cu-Ni ores (Noril'sk region (?), USSR). If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pt-fe alloy, niggliite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: cubic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify stannopalladinite?+
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What rocks look like stannopalladinite?+
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Find stannopalladinite on the map
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