Anduoite is a rare ruthenium arsenide mineral typically found as small grains within ultramafic rock environments. Collectors look for its distinct metallic luster and association with chromite and other platinum-group element bearing ores.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareLöllingite Group family

Anduoite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this anduoite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch anduoite with a known reference. Anduoite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Anduoite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Anduoite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

Anduoite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Löllingite

Mohs 5.5-6

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Anduoite leaves black, Löllingite leaves gray-black.

Often found alongside anduoite

Minerals reported to co-occur with anduoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: RuAs₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 7.3 g/cm³
Colors: White Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find anduoite

Classic worldwide localities

Anduo, Tibet, China
Konnerud, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic rocks country — that is the host setting where anduoite typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, magnetite, pentlandite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify anduoite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, gray.

Where is anduoite found?+

Notable localities include Anduo, Tibet, China; Konnerud, Norway.

How much is anduoite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is anduoite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic. Handle with care, wash hands after touching, and avoid creating or inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like anduoite?+

Anduoite is most often confused with Löllingite, Arsenopyrite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with anduoite?+

Anduoite commonly co-occurs with Chromite, Magnetite, Pentlandite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does anduoite form in?+

Anduoite typically forms in ultramafic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is anduoite used for?+

Anduoite is used in collector.

Find anduoite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.