Ramanite-(Rb) is a rare rubidium-bearing uranyl phosphate mineral found in specific pegmatitic environments. It typically appears as small bladed or tabular crystals and is prized primarily by advanced mineral collectors due to its extreme scarcity.
Is this ramanite-(rb)?
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 ramanite-(rb) with a known reference. Ramanite-(Rb) sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ramanite-(Rb) leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ramanite-(Rb) typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, yellowish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: bladed crystals.
Often confused with
Ramanite-(Rb) vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Ramanite-(Rb) is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs — Ramanite-(Rb) leaves white, Autunite leaves pale yellow; luster reads vitreous on Ramanite-(Rb) and pearly on Autunite.
How to tell apart: Ramanite-(Rb) is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs — Ramanite-(Rb) leaves white, Torbernite leaves pale green.
Often found alongside ramanite-(rb)
Minerals reported to co-occur with ramanite-(rb). Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Rb(UO₂)(PO₄)·3H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 2.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Bladed Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size
Where rockhounds find ramanite-(rb)
Classic worldwide localities
- Ramanite locality, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ramanite-(rb) typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, uraninite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a bladed crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ramanite-(rb)?+
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