Cherepanovite is an extremely rare rhodium arsenide typically found as microscopic inclusions within platinum-group mineral assemblages. It is usually identified through reflected light microscopy or electron microprobe analysis, appearing as small, pinkish-white metallic grains in ultramafic complexes.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePlatinum-group arsenide family

Cherepanovite

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

Is this cherepanovite?

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 cherepanovite with a known reference. Cherepanovite 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. Cherepanovite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Cherepanovite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pinkish-white, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: anhedral grains, disseminated inclusions.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside cherepanovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: RhAs
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 8.8-9.0 g/cm³
Colors: Pinkish-white Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Disseminated Inclusions
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per micro-mount or small grain

Where rockhounds find cherepanovite

Classic worldwide localities

Nizhne-Tagilsky massif, Russia
Stillwater Complex, USA
Bushveld Complex, South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where cherepanovite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, iridium, osmium in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, disseminated inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify cherepanovite?+

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

Where is cherepanovite found?+

Notable localities include Nizhne-Tagilsky massif, Russia; Stillwater Complex, USA; Bushveld Complex, South Africa.

How much is cherepanovite worth?+

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

Is cherepanovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like cherepanovite?+

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

What minerals are found with cherepanovite?+

Cherepanovite commonly co-occurs with Platinum, Iridium, Osmium, Chromite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does cherepanovite form in?+

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

What is cherepanovite used for?+

Cherepanovite is used in collector.

Find cherepanovite on the map

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