Rhodostannite is an uncommon copper iron tin sulfide typically found in hydrothermal tin deposits. It is often indistinguishable from stannite without professional X-ray diffraction or chemical analysis and typically occurs as metallic, dark-colored grains or massive aggregates.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Rhodostannite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this rhodostannite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside rhodostannite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₂FeSn₃S₈
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 4.49 g/cm³
Colors: Black Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular, Rarely Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Hydrothermal Tin-bearing Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association

Where rockhounds find rhodostannite

Classic worldwide localities

Llallagua, Bolivia
Oruro, Bolivia
Pirquitas, Argentina

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal tin-bearing veins country — that is the host setting where rhodostannite typically forms. If you start seeing stannite, cassiterite, pyrrhotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, rarely tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rhodostannite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, gray.

Where is rhodostannite found?+

Notable localities include Llallagua, Bolivia; Oruro, Bolivia; Pirquitas, Argentina.

How much is rhodostannite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is rhodostannite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains heavy metals; avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like rhodostannite?+

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

What minerals are found with rhodostannite?+

Rhodostannite commonly co-occurs with Stannite, Cassiterite, Pyrrhotite, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rhodostannite form in?+

Rhodostannite typically forms in hydrothermal tin-bearing veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is rhodostannite used for?+

Rhodostannite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find rhodostannite on the map

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