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, 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?+
What kind of rock does rammelsbergite form in?+
What is rammelsbergite used for?+
Find rammelsbergite on the map
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