Rammelsbergite: The mineral rammelsbergite information and pictures

About

Rammelsbergite belongs to the Loellingite group, which is a group of chemically related isomorphous minerals that are all rare. Other members discussed in this guide are Loellingite and Safflorite. Rammelsbergite was named after the German scientist K.F. Rammelsberg (1812-1899).

Crystal Forms & Aggregates

Seldom occurs in crystals, which are tabular and short prismatic. Most commonly occurs massive, but also grainy, fibrous, and in coxcomb aggregates.

Striking Features

Color and tarnish, crystal habits

Environment

In medium temperature cobalt and nickel veins.

Noteworthy Localities

Rammelsbergite is a rare mineral, and its localities are limited. Occurrences include Kongsberg, Norway; Ste Marie-aux-Mines, Alsace, France; Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany; Binntal, Switzerland; and Aït Ahmane, Bou Azzer, Morocco. Rammelsberg was found in Mexico in the Silver mines of Batopilas, Chihuahua. In Canada it occurs in the Eldorado mine near the Great Bear Lake, Northwestern Territories, and in Cobalt, Timiskaming District, Ontario. In the U.S., Rammelsbergite was found in the Mohawk mine, Keweenaw Co., Michigan; and in the Trotter Dump, Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey.

Common Mineral Associations

Loellingite, Chloanthite, Silver

Distinguishing Similar Minerals

Arsenopyrite - Difficult to distinguish, but contains sulfur attributes which are lacking in Rammelsbergite.
Skutterudite, Loellingite, and Safflorite - Indistinguishable without x-ray analysis.
Pyrite, Marcasite, and Pyrhottite - Occur in different crystals, more yellow in color.

Rammelsbergite

Abouti

Crystal Forms & Aggregatesi

Striking Featuresi

Environmenti

Noteworthy Localitiesi

Common Mineral Associationsi

Distinguishing Similar Mineralsi

Photos