Cherepanovite is an extremely rare rhodium arsenide typically found as microscopic inclusions within platinum-group mineral assemblages. It is usually identified through reflected light microscopy or electron microprobe analysis, appearing as small, pinkish-white metallic grains in ultramafic complexes.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePlatinum-group arsenide family

Cherepanovite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this cherepanovite?

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 cherepanovite with a known reference. Cherepanovite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Cherepanovite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Cherepanovite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains, disseminated inclusions.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside cherepanovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: RhAs
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 8.8-9.0 g/cm³
Colors: Pale Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Disseminated Inclusions
Cleavage: One Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Ultramafic Igneous Rocks

Where rockhounds find cherepanovite

Classic worldwide localities

Nizhne-Tagilsky massif, Russia
Stillwater Complex, USA
Bushveld Complex, South Africa

Field-hunting tip

Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country, the host setting where cherepanovite typically forms. If you start seeing platinum, iridium, osmium in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, disseminated inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify cherepanovite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include pale gray.

Where is cherepanovite found?+

Notable localities include Nizhne-Tagilsky massif, Russia; Stillwater Complex, USA; Bushveld Complex, South Africa.

Is cherepanovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic; handle with care and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like cherepanovite?+

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

What minerals are found with cherepanovite?+

Cherepanovite commonly co-occurs with Platinum, Iridium, Osmium, Chromite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does cherepanovite form in?+

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

What is cherepanovite used for?+

Cherepanovite is used in collector.

Find cherepanovite on the map

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