Rhodarsenide is a rare rhodium arsenide mineral that occurs primarily as small, metallic grains within platinum-group mineral assemblages. It is most frequently found in alluvial deposits derived from ultramafic rocks or in chromitite layers. Collectors prize it as a micro-mineral due to its extreme scarcity and association with platinum-group elements.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Rhodarsenide

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

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Is this rhodarsenide?

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 rhodarsenide with a known reference. Rhodarsenide 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. Rhodarsenide leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Rhodarsenide typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Sperrylite

Mohs 6-7

How to tell apart: Sperrylite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-7 vs. 3).

Often found alongside rhodarsenide

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Rh₂As
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 9.43 g/cm³
Colors: White Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Rocks
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size

Where rockhounds find rhodarsenide

Classic worldwide localities

Kandagubai, India
Itabira, Brazil
Miass, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic rocks country — that is the host setting where rhodarsenide typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, chromite, gold in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rhodarsenide?+

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

Where is rhodarsenide found?+

Notable localities include Kandagubai, India; Itabira, Brazil; Miass, Russia.

How much is rhodarsenide worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is rhodarsenide safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic; avoid inhaling dust or handling with bare hands without washing thoroughly. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like rhodarsenide?+

Rhodarsenide is most often confused with Sperrylite, Arsenopalladinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with rhodarsenide?+

Rhodarsenide commonly co-occurs with Magnetite, Chromite, Gold, Platinum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rhodarsenide form in?+

Rhodarsenide typically forms in ultramafic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is rhodarsenide used for?+

Rhodarsenide is used in collector.

Find rhodarsenide on the map

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