Vincentite is an extremely rare palladium-platinum telluride typically found as microscopic grains within massive sulfide ores of layered igneous complexes. It is primarily identified through electron microprobe analysis due to its diminutive size and lack of distinct macro-scale crystal habit.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Vincentite

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

Is this vincentite?

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 vincentite with a known reference. Vincentite sits at Mohs 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. Vincentite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vincentite 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: monoclinic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, interstitial.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Kotulskite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Vincentite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5).

How to tell apart: Vincentite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Vincentite leaves black, Merenskyite leaves grey.

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Often found alongside vincentite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Pd,Pt)₃(Te,Sb)₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 8.8 g/cm³
Colors: Gray White
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Interstitial
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Mafic and Ultramafic Igneous Complexes
Typical price: $100-500 for micro specimens

Where rockhounds find vincentite

Classic worldwide localities

Bushveld Complex, South Africa
Stillwater Complex, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in mafic and ultramafic igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where vincentite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, pyrrhotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, interstitial habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vincentite?+

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

Where is vincentite found?+

Notable localities include Bushveld Complex, South Africa; Stillwater Complex, USA.

How much is vincentite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 for micro specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is vincentite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains tellurium and palladium; handle with care to avoid inhalation of dust during lapidary work. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vincentite?+

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

What minerals are found with vincentite?+

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

What kind of rock does vincentite form in?+

Vincentite typically forms in mafic and ultramafic igneous complexes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vincentite used for?+

Vincentite is used in collector.

Find vincentite on the map

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