Rappoldite is a rare lead cobalt arsenate, typically red to red-brown. It is a secondary mineral. It was first described from Rappold mine, near Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany.

Hardness

4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light yellow-brown

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareGorceixite Group family

Rappoldite

Rappoldite is a rare lead cobalt arsenate, typically red to red-brown. It is a secondary mineral. It was first described from Rappold mine, near Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany.

Hardness: 4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light yellow-brown
Transparency: Transparent

Is this rappoldite?

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 rappoldite with a known reference. Rappoldite sits at Mohs 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: light yellow-brown.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, reddish brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: aggregates, prismatic, rosette.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Gorceixite

Mohs 6

How to tell apart: Gorceixite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 4.5); streak differs, so Rappoldite leaves light yellow-brown, Gorceixite leaves white.

Compare →

Often found alongside rappoldite

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

Cobaltlotharmeyerite
mineral · Mohs 4.5

All properties

Chemical formula: PbCo₂(AsO₄)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4.5
Density: 5.28 g/cm³
Colors: Red Reddish brown
Streak: Light yellow-brown
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Aggregates, prismatic, rosette
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A secondary mineral

Where rockhounds find rappoldite

Classic worldwide localities

Rappold mine, near Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A secondary mineral. If you start seeing cobaltlotharmeyerite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, prismatic, rosette. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rappoldite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is light yellow-brown. Common colors include red, reddish brown.

Where is rappoldite found?+

Notable localities include Rappold mine, near Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany.

Is rappoldite safe to handle?+

Rappoldite contains arsenic, cobalt and lead and calls for real care. Contains arsenic. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or ingesting particles.

What rocks look like rappoldite?+

Rappoldite is most often confused with Gorceixite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with rappoldite?+

Rappoldite commonly co-occurs with Cobaltlotharmeyerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rappoldite form in?+

Where it forms: A secondary mineral. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is rappoldite used for?+

Rappoldite is used in collector.

Find rappoldite on the map

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