Pentlandite
A variety of Minerals
What is Pentlandite?
Pentlandite is an iron–nickel sulfide, (Fe,Ni)9S8. Pentlandite has a narrow variation range in Ni:Fe but it is usually described as having a Ni:Fe of 1:1. It also contains minor cobalt, usually at low levels as a fraction of weight. Pentlandite forms isometric crystals, but it is normally found in massive granular aggregates. It is brittle with a hardness of 3.5–4 and specific gravity of 4.6–5.0 and is non-magnetic. It has a yellowish bronze color. Pentlandite has been investigated as a catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction in water electrolysis.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Pentlandite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Pentlandite Localities Map
See where Pentlandite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Pentlandite
Pentlandite is found within the lower margins of mineralised layered intrusions, the best examples being the Bushveld igneous complex, South Africa, the Voiseys Bay troctolite intrusive complex in Canada, the Duluth gabbro, in North America, and various other localities throughout the world. In these locations it forms an important nickel ore. Pentlandite is also the principal ore mineral won from Kambalda type komatiitic nickel ore deposits, the type examples of which are in the Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia. Similar deposits exist at Nkomati, Namibia, in the Thompson Belt, Canada, and a few examples from Brazil. Pentlandite, but primarily chalcopyrite and PGEs, are also obtained from the supergiant Norilsk nickel deposit, in trans-Siberian Russia. The Sudbury Basin in Ontario, Canada, is associated with a large meteorite impact crater. The pentlandite-chalcopyrite-pyrrhotite ore around the Sudbury Structure formed from sulfide melts that segregated from the melt sheet produced by the impact.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Pale bronze-yellow; bronze; brown; reddish brown when argentian
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5 - 4
- Density
- 4.956 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale bronze-brown
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Fe,Ni)9S8
- Elements
- Fe, Ni, S
Also Known As
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Pentlandite FAQs
How do I identify Pentlandite?
Pentlandite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale, Pale bronze-yellow; bronze; brown; reddish brown when argentian color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Pentlandite?
Pentlandite typically appears in Pale bronze-yellow; bronze; brown; reddish brown when argentian. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Pentlandite?
Pentlandite has a hardness of 3.5 - 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of pentlandite of Pentlandite?
Pentlandite is found within the lower margins of mineralised layered intrusions, the best examples being the Bushveld igneous complex, South Africa, the Voiseys Bay troctolite intrusive complex in Canada, the Duluth gabbro, in North America, and various other localities throughout the world. In these locations it forms an important nickel ore. Pentlandite is also the principal ore mineral won from Kambalda type komatiitic nickel ore deposits, the type examples of which are in the Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia. Similar deposits exist at Nkomati, Namibia, in the Thompson Belt, Canada, and a few examples from Brazil. Pentlandite, but primarily chalcopyrite and PGEs, are also obtained from the supergiant Norilsk nickel deposit, in trans-Siberian Russia. The Sudbury Basin in Ontario, Canada, is associated with a large meteorite impact crater. The pentlandite-chalcopyrite-pyrrhotite ore around the Sudbury Structure formed from sulfide melts that segregated from the melt sheet produced by the impact.
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