Rathite-IV is a rare sulfosalt mineral primarily known from the famous Lengenbach locality in Switzerland. It forms as metallic, lead-gray prismatic crystals that are often difficult to distinguish from other complex lead-arsenic sulfosalts without X-ray diffraction analysis.
Is this rathite-iv?
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 rathite-iv with a known reference. Rathite-IV sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rathite-IV leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rathite-IV typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: lead-gray, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, often striated.
Often confused with
Rathite-IV vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside rathite-iv
Minerals reported to co-occur with rathite-iv. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₈As₁₂S₂₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 5.34 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Often Striated
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Dolomitic Marble
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find rathite-iv
Classic worldwide localities
- Lengenbach Quarry, Binntal, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Look in dolomitic marble country — that is the host setting where rathite-iv typically forms. If you start seeing realgar, orpiment, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, often striated habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rathite-iv?+
Where is rathite-iv found?+
How much is rathite-iv worth?+
Is rathite-iv safe to handle?+
What rocks look like rathite-iv?+
What minerals are found with rathite-iv?+
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Find rathite-iv on the map
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