Rammelsbergite is a distinct nickel arsenide typically found in hydrothermal vein deposits alongside other nickel and cobalt minerals. It is best identified by its tin-white color and metallic luster, though it often tarnishes to a grayish hue when exposed to air. Collectors prize it for its sharp, blade-like prismatic crystals or compact, radiating metallic masses.
Is this rammelsbergite?
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 rammelsbergite with a known reference. Rammelsbergite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rammelsbergite leaves a grayish-black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rammelsbergite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: tin-white, reddish-white, steel-gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, granular, radiating aggregates.
Often confused with
Rammelsbergite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside rammelsbergite
Minerals reported to co-occur with rammelsbergite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NiAs₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 7.1-7.2 g/cm³
- Streak
- Grayish-black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive, Granular, Radiating Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {110}
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Ore of Nickel
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Vein Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for thumbnail to cabinet specimens
Where rockhounds find rammelsbergite
Classic worldwide localities
- Rammelsberg mine, Germany
- Bou Azzer, Morocco
- Sudbury, Canada
- Cobalt, Ontario, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal vein deposits country — that is the host setting where rammelsbergite typically forms. If you start seeing niccolite, skutterudite, bismuth in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive, granular, radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rammelsbergite?+
Where is rammelsbergite found?+
How much is rammelsbergite worth?+
Is rammelsbergite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like rammelsbergite?+
What minerals are found with rammelsbergite?+
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Find rammelsbergite on the map
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