Rohaite is a rare thallium lead potassium sulfosalt. It occurs in veins cutting an alkalic intrusive. Associated minerals include chalcocite, cuprite and analcime. It was first described from material found in Denmark (Greenland).

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSulfosalt family

Rohaite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this rohaite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Bornite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Rohaite leaves black, Bornite leaves grayish black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Rohaite leaves black, Chalcocite leaves lead-gray to black.

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Often found alongside rohaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Tl,Pb,K)₂Cu₈.₇Sb₂S₄
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 7.752 g/cm³
Colors: Yellowish Cream Dull Bluish Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains, Inclusions in Other Minerals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Copper-rich Sedimentary Deposits

Where rockhounds find rohaite

Classic worldwide localities

Akjoujt, Mauritania

Field-hunting tip

Look in copper-rich sedimentary deposits country, the host setting where rohaite typically forms. If you start seeing bornite, chalcopyrite, cubanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains, inclusions in other minerals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify rohaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include yellowish cream, dull bluish gray.

Where is rohaite found?+

Notable localities include Akjoujt, Mauritania.

Is rohaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and sulfides; avoid inhaling dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like rohaite?+

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

What minerals are found with rohaite?+

Rohaite commonly co-occurs with Bornite, Chalcopyrite, Cubanite, Stannite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does rohaite form in?+

Rohaite typically forms in copper-rich sedimentary deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is rohaite used for?+

Rohaite is used in collector.

Find rohaite on the map

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