Testibiopalladite is a rare palladium telluride that typically occurs as microscopic, metallic-lustered grains within sulfide-rich igneous rocks. It is most often identified through polished section analysis and microprobe examination in samples from platinum-group element (PGE) deposits.
Is this testibiopalladite?
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 testibiopalladite with a known reference. Testibiopalladite 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. Testibiopalladite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Testibiopalladite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Testibiopalladite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside testibiopalladite
Minerals reported to co-occur with testibiopalladite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pd₃Te₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 9.9 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Mafic and Ultramafic Igneous Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-300 per micro-mount
Where rockhounds find testibiopalladite
Classic worldwide localities
- Stillwater Complex, USA
- Sudbury Basin, Canada
- Norilsk, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in mafic and ultramafic igneous complexes country, the host setting where testibiopalladite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, chalcopyrite, pentlandite 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 testibiopalladite?+
Where is testibiopalladite found?+
How much is testibiopalladite worth?+
Is testibiopalladite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like testibiopalladite?+
What minerals are found with testibiopalladite?+
What kind of rock does testibiopalladite form in?+
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Find testibiopalladite on the map
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