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, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: tin white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: irregular grains.
Often confused with
Zvyagintsevite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zvyagintsevite leaves black, Paolovite leaves grayish black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Zvyagintsevite leaves black, Rustenburgite leaves gray.
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
- Density
- 13.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Irregular grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- As small irregular grains and veinlets in copper sulfides, associated with differentiated gabbro-diabase intrusives (Noril’sk region, Russia)
Where rockhounds find zvyagintsevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Upper and Banded zones of the Stillwater complex, Montana, USA
- Zapolyarni and Taimryskii mines, Noril’sk region, western Siberia, Russia
- Kirakkajuppura deposit, Penikat layered complex, northeast of Kemi, Finland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: As small irregular grains and veinlets in copper sulfides, associated with differentiated gabbro-diabase intrusives (Noril’sk region, Russia). If you start seeing pt–fe alloy, polarite, talnakhite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: irregular grains. 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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