Verbeekite is an extremely rare palladium selenide mineral that typically forms small, opaque, black platy crystals. It is primarily known from the Musonoi mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, often found in association with other rare selenium minerals.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Verbeekite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this verbeekite?

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 verbeekite with a known reference. Verbeekite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Verbeekite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Verbeekite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Molybdenite

Mohs 1-1.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Verbeekite leaves black, Molybdenite leaves greenish-gray.

How to tell apart: Iron Ore is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-6.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Verbeekite leaves black, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads metallic on Verbeekite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.

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Often found alongside verbeekite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PdSe₂
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 7.3 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Copper-cobalt Deposits
Typical price: $200-1000+ for rare micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find verbeekite

Classic worldwide localities

Kambove, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary copper-cobalt deposits country — that is the host setting where verbeekite typically forms. If you start seeing driekopite, kiddcreekite, clausthalite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify verbeekite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black.

Where is verbeekite found?+

Notable localities include Kambove, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How much is verbeekite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000+ for rare micro-specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is verbeekite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains selenium, which can be 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 verbeekite?+

Verbeekite is most often confused with Molybdenite, Iron Ore. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with verbeekite?+

Verbeekite commonly co-occurs with Driekopite, Kiddcreekite, Clausthalite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does verbeekite form in?+

Verbeekite typically forms in sedimentary copper-cobalt deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is verbeekite used for?+

Verbeekite is used in collector.

Find verbeekite on the map

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