Bowieite is a very rare rhodium-rich sulfide mineral that typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains within platinum-group mineral deposits. It was first described from the Goodnews Bay platinum placers in Alaska and is highly sought after by advanced collectors of platinum-group minerals.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarenull family

Bowieite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this bowieite?

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 bowieite with a known reference. Bowieite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bowieite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bowieite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Sperrylite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-7 vs. 3.5-4).

Compare →

Often found alongside bowieite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Rh,Ir,Pt)₂S₃
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 6.7-7.0 g/cm³
Colors: Gray White
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Rocks and Platinum-group Element Placers
Typical price: $100-500+ for micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find bowieite

Classic worldwide localities

Goodnews Bay, Alaska, USA
Miass, Ural Mountains, Russia
Bushveld Complex, South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic rocks and platinum-group element placers country — that is the host setting where bowieite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, laurite, chromite 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 bowieite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include gray, white.

Where is bowieite found?+

Notable localities include Goodnews Bay, Alaska, USA; Miass, Ural Mountains, Russia; Bushveld Complex, South Africa.

How much is bowieite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ for micro-specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like bowieite?+

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

What minerals are found with bowieite?+

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

What kind of rock does bowieite form in?+

Bowieite typically forms in ultramafic rocks and platinum-group element placers. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is bowieite used for?+

Bowieite is used in collector.

Find bowieite on the map

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