Rathite is a rare sulfosalt mineral typically found in the famous Binn Valley of Switzerland. Collectors prize it for its complex, metallic-lustered, often deeply striated crystals found within dolomitic marble.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSartorite Group family

Rathite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this rathite?

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 rathite with a known reference. Rathite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rathite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Rathite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: lead-gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic, striated, tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Sartorite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Rathite leaves black, Sartorite leaves chocolate-brown.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Rathite leaves black, Dufrénoysite leaves reddish-brown.

Often found alongside rathite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₈As₁₂S₂₈
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 5.22 g/cm³
Colors: Lead-gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic, Striated, Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct On One Face
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Dolomitic Marble Cavities
Typical price: $50-300+ for micro to small specimens

Where rockhounds find rathite

Classic worldwide localities

Lengenbach Quarry, Binn Valley, Switzerland
Jas Roux, France

Field-hunting tip

Look in dolomitic marble cavities country, the host setting where rathite typically forms. If you start seeing realgar, orpiment, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic, striated, tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rathite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include lead-gray, black.

Where is rathite found?+

Notable localities include Lengenbach Quarry, Binn Valley, Switzerland; Jas Roux, France.

How much is rathite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300+ for micro to small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is rathite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like rathite?+

Rathite is most often confused with Sartorite, Dufrénoysite, Baumhauerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with rathite?+

Rathite commonly co-occurs with Realgar, Orpiment, Pyrite, Dolomite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rathite form in?+

Rathite typically forms in dolomitic marble cavities. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is rathite used for?+

Rathite is used in collector.

Find rathite on the map

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