Rruffite is a rare secondary mineral typically found in the oxidized zones of arsenic-rich hydrothermal deposits. It is most notable for its distinct pink to rose-red prismatic crystals that resemble other members of the roselite group.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareRoselite Group family

Rruffite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this rruffite?

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 rruffite with a known reference. Rruffite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rruffite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Rruffite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pink, rose red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: short prismatic to pseudo-octahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside rruffite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Cu(AsO₄)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.59 g/cm³
Colors: Pink Rose Red
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Short Prismatic to Pseudo-octahedral Crystals
Cleavage: Good On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on crystal size and quality

Where rockhounds find rruffite

Classic worldwide localities

Jachymov, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country, the host setting where rruffite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenolite, lavendulan, picropharmacolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a short prismatic to pseudo-octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rruffite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pink, rose red.

Where is rruffite found?+

Notable localities include Jachymov, Czech Republic.

How much is rruffite worth?+

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

Is rruffite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and copper; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or prolonged skin contact. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like rruffite?+

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

What minerals are found with rruffite?+

Rruffite commonly co-occurs with Arsenolite, Lavendulan, Picropharmacolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rruffite form in?+

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

What is rruffite used for?+

Rruffite is used in collector.

Find rruffite on the map

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