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.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePentlandite Group family

Vozhminite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this vozhminite?

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 vozhminite with a known reference. Vozhminite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vozhminite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vozhminite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pinkish-white, silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pentlandite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vozhminite leaves black, Pentlandite leaves light bronze-brown.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vozhminite leaves black, Cobaltpentlandite leaves brownish-bronze.

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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: (Rh,Ni,Cu,Co,Ir)₉S₈
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 5.65 g/cm³
Colors: Pinkish-white Silver-white
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per small specimen

Where rockhounds find vozhminite

Classic worldwide localities

Vozhminite deposit, Karelia, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic rocks country — that is the host setting where vozhminite typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, serpentine, heazlewoodite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vozhminite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include pinkish-white, silver-white.

Where is vozhminite found?+

Notable localities include Vozhminite deposit, Karelia, Russia.

How much is vozhminite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is vozhminite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains heavy metals; avoid dust inhalation and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vozhminite?+

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

What minerals are found with vozhminite?+

Vozhminite commonly co-occurs with Magnetite, Serpentine, Heazlewoodite, Chromite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vozhminite form in?+

Vozhminite typically forms in ultramafic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vozhminite used for?+

Vozhminite is used in collector.

Find vozhminite on the map

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