Temagamite is a rare palladium mercury telluride that typically occurs as microscopic grains within massive copper-nickel sulfide ores. It is primarily identified through reflected light microscopy or microprobe analysis due to its rarity and small grain size in hand specimens.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Temagamite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this temagamite?

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 temagamite with a known reference. Temagamite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Temagamite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Temagamite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Tellurobismuthite

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Temagamite leaves black, Tellurobismuthite leaves lead-gray.

Often found alongside temagamite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pd₃HgTe₃
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 9.52 g/cm³
Colors: White Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Copper-nickel Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find temagamite

Classic worldwide localities

Temagami copper mine, Ontario, Canada
Hope's Nose, Torquay, Devon, England

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify temagamite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, silver-white.

Where is temagamite found?+

Notable localities include Temagami copper mine, Ontario, Canada; Hope's Nose, Torquay, Devon, England.

How much is temagamite worth?+

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

Is temagamite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and tellurium. Handle with gloves and wash hands thoroughly after handling; avoid inhaling dust if crushed. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like temagamite?+

Temagamite is most often confused with Tellurobismuthite, Froodite, Kotulskite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with temagamite?+

Temagamite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Bornite, Gold, Sperrylite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does temagamite form in?+

Temagamite typically forms in hydrothermal copper-nickel deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is temagamite used for?+

Temagamite is used in collector.

Find temagamite on the map

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