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. Streak: grayish black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: tin white, reddish white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: massive, prismatic, radial.
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 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Grayish black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, prismatic, radial
- Cleavage
- {101}, distinct
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Ore of nickel
- Host rock
- In hydrothermal veins formed at medium temperatures with other Ni–Co minerals
Where rockhounds find rammelsbergite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mohawk mine, Keweenaw Co., Michigan, USA
- Schneeberg, Saxony (type locality), Germany
- Eisleben and Mansfeld, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
- Bieber, near Hanau, Hesse, Germany
- Lölling-Hüttenberg district, Carinthia, Austria
- Polkovice copper mine, near Legnica, Zechstein copper district, Lower Silesia, Poland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In hydrothermal veins formed at medium temperatures with other Ni–Co minerals. If you start seeing skutterudite, safflorite, löllingite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive, prismatic, radial. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rammelsbergite?+
Where is rammelsbergite found?+
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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