Ramdohrite is a rare lead-silver sulfosalt mineral found primarily in complex hydrothermal deposits. It is frequently mistaken for other gray metallic sulfides and typically occurs in dense, granular masses or thin, tabular striated crystals.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareLillianite Homologous Series family

Ramdohrite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this ramdohrite?

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 ramdohrite with a known reference. Ramdohrite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ramdohrite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ramdohrite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: steel-gray, lead-gray, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Galena

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ramdohrite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ramdohrite leaves black, Jamesonite leaves gray-black.

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Often found alongside ramdohrite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ag₃Pb₆Sb₁₁S₂₄
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 5.64 g/cm³
Colors: Steel-gray Lead-gray Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $20-150 thumbnail to small cabinet

Where rockhounds find ramdohrite

Classic worldwide localities

Oruro, Bolivia
Potosi, Bolivia
Zacatecas, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where ramdohrite typically forms. If you start seeing andorite, stannite, arsenopyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ramdohrite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include steel-gray, lead-gray, silver-white.

Where is ramdohrite found?+

Notable localities include Oruro, Bolivia; Potosi, Bolivia; Zacatecas, Mexico.

How much is ramdohrite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 thumbnail to small cabinet. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is ramdohrite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and antimony. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust during specimen preparation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ramdohrite?+

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

What minerals are found with ramdohrite?+

Ramdohrite commonly co-occurs with Andorite, Stannite, Arsenopyrite, Pyrite, Siderite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ramdohrite form in?+

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

What is ramdohrite used for?+

Ramdohrite is used in collector.

Find ramdohrite on the map

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