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. Streak: reddish-pink.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: inclusions, microscopic crystals.
Often confused with
Rhodplumsite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Rhodplumsite leaves reddish-pink, Tetrahedrite leaves black to brown.
How to tell apart: Rhodplumsite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2); streak differs, so 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
- Rh₃Pb₂S₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 9.74 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Reddish-pink
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Inclusions, microscopic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- In a platinum nugget in a placer probably derived from the nearby Omutninskii gabbro-pyroxenite-dunite massif
Where rockhounds find rhodplumsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Omutninskaya platinum-bearing placer, Omutnaya River, 20 km south of Polevskoi, Sysert’ district, Ural Mountains, Russia (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a platinum nugget in a placer probably derived from the nearby Omutninskii gabbro-pyroxenite-dunite massif. If you start seeing platinum, tulameenite, iridium–osmium in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: inclusions, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rhodplumsite?+
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What rocks look like rhodplumsite?+
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Find rhodplumsite on the map
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