Monchetundraite
Monchetundraite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfide class, with the chemical formula Pd₂NiTe₂.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Ibam).
Key properties: specific gravity 9.45; Metallic luster.
IMA symbol Mtdr, IMA status: approved, named in 2019.
From sulfide-bearing, metasomatically altered orthopyroxenite of a layered mafic intrusion, formed in post-magmatic conditions, at temperatures <500 flC.
It is found associated with Kotulskite, isomertieite, nipalarsite, palarstanide, lukkulaisvaaraite, menshikovite, sperrylite, irarsite, hollingworthite, nielsenite, unnamed Cu 3Pt phase.
The name is derived from the locality, the Monchetundra intrusion, Kola Peninsula, Russia. In the Sámi language, monchetundra means “beauty of the tundra” or “beautiful mountain”.