Pararammelsbergite is an uncommon nickel arsenide mineral that occurs primarily in hydrothermal ore deposits. It is frequently confused with its dimorph, rammelsbergite, and often occurs as massive, silver-white material that develops a tarnished, light pinkish hue over time. Collectors should exercise caution due to the significant arsenic content.
Is this pararammelsbergite?
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 pararammelsbergite with a known reference. Pararammelsbergite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Pararammelsbergite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Pararammelsbergite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, light pink, silver white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, granular, rarely as small crystals.
Often confused with
Pararammelsbergite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Rammelsbergite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5-6 vs. 2-3); streak differs — Pararammelsbergite leaves black, Rammelsbergite leaves grayish-black.
How to tell apart: Skutterudite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5-6 vs. 2-3).
How to tell apart: Nickeline is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 2-3); streak differs — Pararammelsbergite leaves black, Nickeline leaves brownish-black.
Often found alongside pararammelsbergite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pararammelsbergite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NiAs₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 7.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular, Rarely as Small Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins, Nickel-cobalt-silver Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find pararammelsbergite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ontario, Canada
- Saxony, Germany
- Morocco
- Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins, nickel-cobalt-silver ore deposits country — that is the host setting where pararammelsbergite typically forms. If you start seeing rammelsbergite, gersdorffite, nickeline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, rarely as small crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find pararammelsbergite on the map
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