Vasilite is an extremely rare palladium-copper sulfide mineral typically found in complex magmatic ore deposits. Collectors usually encounter it as microscopic grains embedded in metallic sulfide matrices, requiring careful microscopic analysis for identification.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Vasilite

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

Is this vasilite?

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 vasilite with a known reference. Vasilite sits at Mohs 5-5.5, 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: steel gray.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: inclusions.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Potarite

Mohs 3.5

How to tell apart: Vasilite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5).

Often found alongside vasilite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Pd,Cu)₁₆(S,Te)₇
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 8.79 g/cm³
Colors: Steel gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Inclusions
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific research
Host rock: Heavy-mineral concentrates obtained from Priabonian clastic sediments

Where rockhounds find vasilite

Classic worldwide localities

Novoseltsi, Bourgas region, southeastern Bulgaria (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Heavy-mineral concentrates obtained from Priabonian clastic sediments. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, bornite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: inclusions. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vasilite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. Luster: metallic. Common colors include steel gray.

Where is vasilite found?+

Notable localities include Novoseltsi, Bourgas region, southeastern Bulgaria (type locality).

Is vasilite safe to handle?+

Vasilite contains copper. Contains palladium and copper; handle with care and avoid inhalation of dust when polishing or processing. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like vasilite?+

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

What minerals are found with vasilite?+

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

What kind of rock does vasilite form in?+

Where it forms: Heavy-mineral concentrates obtained from Priabonian clastic sediments. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vasilite used for?+

Vasilite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find vasilite on the map

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