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

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Tischendorfite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this tischendorfite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Tischendorfite leaves black, Potarite leaves silver-white.

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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: 3-4
Density: 9.44 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Selenide-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $500-2000 per micro-mount or small specimen

Where rockhounds find tischendorfite

Classic worldwide localities

Tilkerode, Harz Mountains, Germany
Hope's Nose, Torquay, England

Field-hunting tip

Look in selenide-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where tischendorfite typically forms. If you start seeing palladseite, clausthalite, gold 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 tischendorfite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, gray.

Where is tischendorfite found?+

Notable localities include Tilkerode, Harz Mountains, Germany; Hope's Nose, Torquay, England.

How much is tischendorfite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $500-2000 per micro-mount or small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is tischendorfite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and selenium, both of which are toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; handle with care and wash hands after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

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?+

Tischendorfite typically forms in selenide-bearing hydrothermal veins. 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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