Tischendorfite is an extremely rare palladium mercury selenide mineral that typically appears as tiny, sub-millimeter metallic grains. It is primarily identified through laboratory analysis of samples from specialized selenium-rich hydrothermal environments, such as those found in the Harz Mountains of Germany.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Tischendorfite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this tischendorfite?

4-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 tischendorfite with a known reference. Tischendorfite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: beige.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Tischendorfite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5).

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Often found alongside tischendorfite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pd₈Hg₃Se₉
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 9.44 g/cm³
Colors: Beige
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains, inclusions
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Included mineral found in other selenides in an ankerite-calcite matrix

Where rockhounds find tischendorfite

Classic worldwide localities

Eskeborn adit near Tilkerode, Harz Mountians, Germany (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Included mineral found in other selenides in an ankerite-calcite matrix. If you start seeing palladseite, clausthalite, gold in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tischendorfite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: metallic. Common colors include beige.

Where is tischendorfite found?+

Notable localities include Eskeborn adit near Tilkerode, Harz Mountians, Germany (type locality).

Is tischendorfite safe to handle?+

Tischendorfite contains mercury and selenium and calls for real care. Contains mercury and selenium, both of which are toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; handle with care and wash hands after handling.

What rocks look like tischendorfite?+

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

What minerals are found with tischendorfite?+

Tischendorfite commonly co-occurs with Palladseite, Clausthalite, Gold. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tischendorfite form in?+

Where it forms: Included mineral found in other selenides in an ankerite-calcite matrix. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tischendorfite used for?+

Tischendorfite is used in collector.

Find tischendorfite on the map

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