Ralphcannonite is an extremely rare thallium-bearing sulfosalt mineral found almost exclusively in the Allchar deposit of North Macedonia. Collectors typically encounter it as microscopic grains within complex ore assemblages rather than well-formed macroscopic crystals.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Ralphcannonite

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

Is this ralphcannonite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Ralphcannonite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Ralphcannonite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ralphcannonite leaves black, Bournonite leaves steel-gray.

Compare →

Often found alongside ralphcannonite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbSnTl₂S₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.74 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Epithermal Deposits
Typical price: $200-800 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ralphcannonite

Classic worldwide localities

Allchar, North Macedonia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal epithermal deposits country, the host setting where ralphcannonite typically forms. If you start seeing lorandite, realgar, orpiment 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 ralphcannonite?+

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

Where is ralphcannonite found?+

Notable localities include Allchar, North Macedonia.

How much is ralphcannonite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-800 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is ralphcannonite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and thallium, both of which are toxic. Handle with care, wash hands after handling, and avoid creating or inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ralphcannonite?+

Ralphcannonite is most often confused with Stannite, Galena, Bournonite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ralphcannonite?+

Ralphcannonite commonly co-occurs with Lorandite, Realgar, Orpiment, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ralphcannonite form in?+

Ralphcannonite typically forms in hydrothermal epithermal deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ralphcannonite used for?+

Ralphcannonite is used in collector.

Find ralphcannonite on the map

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