Zvyagintsevite is a very rare palladium-lead alloy occurring primarily as microscopic inclusions within copper-nickel sulfide deposits. Collectors rarely encounter it in macroscopic specimens, as it is most often identified during analytical study of platinum-group element ores.
Is this zvyagintsevite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch zvyagintsevite with a known reference. Zvyagintsevite sits at Mohs 4.5-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Zvyagintsevite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Zvyagintsevite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, silver-white, yellowish.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, inclusions in other platinum-group minerals.
Often confused with
Zvyagintsevite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zvyagintsevite leaves black, Paolovite leaves greyish black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Zvyagintsevite leaves black, Rustenburgite leaves grey.
Often found alongside zvyagintsevite
Minerals reported to co-occur with zvyagintsevite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pd₃Pb
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 12.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains, Inclusions in Other Platinum-group Minerals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Copper-nickel Sulfide Ores in Mafic-ultramafic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-500+ depending on size and association
Where rockhounds find zvyagintsevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Talnakh deposit, Russia
- Norilsk, Russia
- Stillwater complex, USA
- Bushveld complex, South Africa
Field-hunting tip
Look in copper-nickel sulfide ores in mafic-ultramafic rocks country — that is the host setting where zvyagintsevite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, palladium, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, inclusions in other platinum-group minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find zvyagintsevite on the map
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