How do I identify Skaergaardite?

Skaergaardite can be identified by its Steel grey color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Skaergaardite?

Skaergaardite typically appears in Steel grey. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Skaergaardite

A variety of Minerals

What is Skaergaardite?

Skaergaardite is an intermetallic platinum group mineral with the general chemical formula PdCu. The mineral is named after its discovery location: the Skaergaard intrusion, Kangerdlugssuaq area, East Greenland. The mineral name was approved by the International Mineralogical Association in 2003. The mineral has also been reported in the Duluth intrusion in Minnesota and the Rum layered intrusion in Scotland.

Skaergaardite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Skaergaardite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Skaergaardite Localities Map

See where Skaergaardite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Skaergaardite

When viewed under a microscope in plane polarized light, skaergaardite appears to be bright creamy white (in the presence of bornite or chalcopyrite) or bright white (in the presence of digenite or chalcocite). When the mineral is rotated on the microscope stage its color does not change, indicating that it is non-pleochroic. Under crossed polar light, skaergaardite appears completely dark no matter the direction the stage is rotated, indicating that the mineral is isotropic. As skaergaardite is isotropic, it is also non-birefringent.

Formation of Skaergaardite

Skaergaardite is associated with igneous intrusions containing well-preserved, oxide-rich, tholeiitic gabbro. It is found as inclusions in titanian magnetite, ilmenite, pyroxenes, and plagioclase. Skaergaardite can occur as an inclusion by itself, but is more commonly found in composite microglobule inclusions of copper iron sulfide minerals and other precious metal bearing minerals.