Vozhminite is an extremely rare rhodium-bearing sulfide mineral typically found as small inclusions within ultramafic rock environments. Collectors prize it primarily for its unique composition, as it is one of the few minerals where rhodium serves as a dominant element. It is usually identified through micro-analysis given its microscopic habit in nature.
Is this vozhminite?
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 vozhminite with a known reference. Vozhminite sits at Mohs 4.5-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brownish yellow, light pink orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Vozhminite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside vozhminite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vozhminite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ni₄AsS₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5-5
- Density
- 6.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Brownish yellowLight pink orange
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- One, distinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In heazlewoodite ore in serpentinites
Where rockhounds find vozhminite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vozhmin massif, Segezha district, central Karelia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In heazlewoodite ore in serpentinites. If you start seeing heazlewoodite, tučekite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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What rocks look like vozhminite?+
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Find vozhminite on the map
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