Rhodplumsite is an exceptionally rare copper-rhodium-antimony sulfide mineral discovered in the platinum-group element (PGE) bearing chromitites of the Koryak-Kamchatka region. It typically occurs as minute, reddish-pink metallic grains embedded within chromite and is prized almost exclusively by advanced micromount collectors and researchers of platinum-group minerals.
Is this rhodplumsite?
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 rhodplumsite with a known reference. Rhodplumsite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rhodplumsite leaves a reddish-pink streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rhodplumsite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, pink, brownish-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: fine-grained massive aggregates, microcrystalline grains.
Often confused with
Rhodplumsite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Rhodplumsite leaves reddish-pink, Tetrahedrite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Rhodplumsite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); streak differs — Rhodplumsite leaves reddish-pink, Stibnite leaves lead-gray.
Often found alongside rhodplumsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with rhodplumsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₄RhSbS₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 7.3-7.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Reddish-pink
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Fine-grained Massive Aggregates, Microcrystalline Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Ophiolite Complexes, Chromite Ores
- Typical price
- $100-500+ micro-mounts
Where rockhounds find rhodplumsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Koryak-Kamchatka, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in ophiolite complexes, chromite ores country — that is the host setting where rhodplumsite typically forms. If you start seeing irarsite, hollingworthite, cuprorhodsite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fine-grained massive aggregates, microcrystalline grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rhodplumsite?+
Where is rhodplumsite found?+
How much is rhodplumsite worth?+
Is rhodplumsite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like rhodplumsite?+
What minerals are found with rhodplumsite?+
What kind of rock does rhodplumsite form in?+
What is rhodplumsite used for?+
Find rhodplumsite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
