Rappoldite is a rare lead cobalt arsenate, typically red to red-brown. It is a secondary mineral. It was first described from Rappold mine, near Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany.

Hardness

4.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light Yellow-brown

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareGorceixite Group family

Rappoldite

Rappoldite is a rare lead cobalt arsenate, typically red to red-brown. It is a secondary mineral. It was first described from Rappold mine, near Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany.

Hardness: 4.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light Yellow-brown
Transparency: Transparent

Is this rappoldite?

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 rappoldite with a known reference. Rappoldite sits at Mohs 4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rappoldite leaves a light yellow-brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Rappoldite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, red-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: drusy aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Gorceixite

Mohs 4.5-5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Rappoldite leaves light yellow-brown, Gorceixite leaves white.

Compare →

Often found alongside rappoldite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbCo₂(AsO₄)₂·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 4.5
Density: 5.28 g/cm³
Colors: Red Red-brown
Streak: Light Yellow-brown
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Drusy Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Metamorphic Rocks

Where rockhounds find rappoldite

Classic worldwide localities

Rappold, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks country, the host setting where rappoldite typically forms. If you start seeing arsenopyrite, pharmacolite, picropharmacolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a drusy aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rappoldite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is light yellow-brown. Common colors include red, red-brown.

Where is rappoldite found?+

Notable localities include Rappold, Germany.

Is rappoldite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or ingesting particles. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like rappoldite?+

Rappoldite is most often confused with Gorceixite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with rappoldite?+

Rappoldite commonly co-occurs with Arsenopyrite, Pharmacolite, Picropharmacolite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rappoldite form in?+

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

What is rappoldite used for?+

Rappoldite is used in collector.

Find rappoldite on the map

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