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 — that is 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.