Ungavaite is a very rare palladium-antimony mineral typically found as microscopic grains within sulfide-rich nickel-copper deposits. It is known primarily from its type locality in the Ungava region of Canada and requires professional analysis for positive identification.

Hardness

3-3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Ungavaite

Hardness: 3-3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this ungavaite?

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 ungavaite with a known reference. Ungavaite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ungavaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ungavaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ungavaite leaves black, Sudburyite leaves white.

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Often found alongside ungavaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pd₄Sb₃
Mohs hardness: 3-3.5
Density: 9.7 g/cm³
Colors: Gray White
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nickel-copper Sulfide Deposits
Typical price: $500-2000+ for rare micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find ungavaite

Classic worldwide localities

Gordon Lake area, Northwest Territories, Canada

Field-hunting tip

Look in nickel-copper sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where ungavaite typically forms. If you start seeing pentlandite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite 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 ungavaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, white.

Where is ungavaite found?+

Notable localities include Gordon Lake area, Northwest Territories, Canada.

How much is ungavaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $500-2000+ for rare micro-specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is ungavaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains palladium and antimony; handle with care and wash hands after handling to avoid ingestion or skin irritation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ungavaite?+

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

What minerals are found with ungavaite?+

Ungavaite commonly co-occurs with Pentlandite, Chalcopyrite, Pyrrhotite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ungavaite form in?+

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

What is ungavaite used for?+

Ungavaite is used in collector.

Find ungavaite on the map

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