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 3.5-4, 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, commonly tarnished yellow-brown.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: steel gray, yellow brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: inclusions, irregular 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
- PdSbTe
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 8.99 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic, commonly tarnished yellow-brown
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Inclusions, irregular grains
- Cleavage
- Imperfect in two directions
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a Cu–Ni sulfide deposit in a serpentine body intruded into a Permian formation of metamorphic rocks (Locality “Y”, China)
Where rockhounds find testibiopalladite
Classic worldwide localities
- Locality “Y” (a code name), in southwestern China (type locality)
- Danba, Sichuan Province, China
- Kambalda, 56 km south of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
- Nausahi complex, Orissa, India
- Uitkomst complex, Eastern Transvaal, South Africa
- Wellgreen Cu–Ni–Pt–Pd deposit, Yukon Territory, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a Cu–Ni sulfide deposit in a serpentine body intruded into a Permian formation of metamorphic rocks (Locality “Y”, China). If you start seeing michenerite, gersdorffite, cobaltite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: inclusions, irregular grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify testibiopalladite?+
Where is testibiopalladite found?+
Is testibiopalladite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like testibiopalladite?+
What minerals are found with testibiopalladite?+
What kind of rock does testibiopalladite form in?+
What is testibiopalladite used for?+
Find testibiopalladite on the map
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