Taimyrite is an extremely rare palladium-bismuth-telluride mineral named after its type locality on the Taymyr Peninsula. It is typically found as microscopic grains embedded within massive sulfide ores and requires professional analytical techniques for positive identification.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Taimyrite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this taimyrite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Sperrylite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-7 vs. 3-3.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside taimyrite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pd₉Bi₂Te₄
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 9.9-10.1 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Yellow
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Copper-nickel Sulfide Ore Deposits
Typical price: $100-500+ for micro-mount specimens

Where rockhounds find taimyrite

Classic worldwide localities

Talnakh deposit, Taymyr Peninsula, Russia
Stillwater Complex, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in copper-nickel sulfide ore deposits country — that is the host setting where taimyrite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, cubanite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify taimyrite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, pale yellow.

Where is taimyrite found?+

Notable localities include Talnakh deposit, Taymyr Peninsula, Russia; Stillwater Complex, USA.

How much is taimyrite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ for micro-mount specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is taimyrite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and palladium; handle with care to avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like taimyrite?+

Taimyrite is most often confused with Polarite, Sperrylite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with taimyrite?+

Taimyrite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Cubanite, Magnetite, Pentlandite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does taimyrite form in?+

Taimyrite 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 taimyrite used for?+

Taimyrite is used in collector.

Find taimyrite on the map

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