Nielsenite
Nielsenite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the native element class, with the chemical formula PdCu₃.
It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system (space group P4mm).
Key properties: specific gravity 9.53; Black streak; Metallic luster.
IMA symbol Nie, IMA status: approved, named in 2004.
Occurs as the crystallized products of immiscible melts in thoelitic gabbro and that formed at temperatures at of below 508° C, in a highly differentiated layered intrusion.
It is found associated with Bornite-chalcocite, bornite with trace Ni-Co and Zn sulfides, skaergaardite, keithconnite, vasilite, zvyagintsevite, (Cu, Pd, Au), (Pd, Cu, Sn), (Pt, Fe, Cu.
The mineral was named to honor Troels F.D. Nielsen (b. 1950), a geologist with the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.