Krutovite is a rare nickel arsenide mineral that occurs primarily as metallic grains or small aggregates within hydrothermal vein systems. It is notoriously difficult to identify without chemical analysis due to its similarity to other nickel and cobalt arsenides.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Krutovite

Hardness: 5.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this krutovite?

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 krutovite with a known reference. Krutovite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Krutovite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Krutovite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pale gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: grains, inclusions in other minerals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Krutovite leaves black, Rammelsbergite leaves grayish-black.

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Often found alongside krutovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NiAs₂
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 7.35 g/cm³
Colors: White Pale Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Grains, Inclusions in Other Minerals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per small specimen

Where rockhounds find krutovite

Classic worldwide localities

Krutov deposit, Russia
Bou Azzer, Morocco

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where krutovite typically forms. If you start seeing nickeline, skutterudite, arsenopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains, inclusions in other minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify krutovite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include white, pale gray.

Where is krutovite found?+

Notable localities include Krutov deposit, Russia; Bou Azzer, Morocco.

How much is krutovite worth?+

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

Is krutovite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like krutovite?+

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

What minerals are found with krutovite?+

Krutovite commonly co-occurs with Nickeline, Skutterudite, Arsenopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does krutovite form in?+

Krutovite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is krutovite used for?+

Krutovite is used in collector.

Find krutovite on the map

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