Cuprorhodsite is a rare platinum-group mineral typically occurring as microscopic grains within massive sulfide deposits. It is most commonly identified in polished sections via reflected light microscopy or microprobe analysis due to its extreme scarcity in macroscopic sizes.
Is this cuprorhodsite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch cuprorhodsite with a known reference. Cuprorhodsite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cuprorhodsite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Cuprorhodsite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: microscopic grains, anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Cuprorhodsite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside cuprorhodsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with cuprorhodsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CuRh₂S₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 9.46 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic Grains, Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $500-2000 per specimen
Where rockhounds find cuprorhodsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA
- Bushveld Complex, South Africa
- Norilsk, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where cuprorhodsite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum group minerals, pentlandite, chalcopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microscopic grains, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify cuprorhodsite?+
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What rocks look like cuprorhodsite?+
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Find cuprorhodsite on the map
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