Bowieite
A variety of Minerals
What is Bowieite?
Bowieite is a rhodium-iridium-platinum sulfide mineral (Rh,Ir,Pt)2S3, found in platinum-alloy nuggets from Goodnews Bay, Alaska. It was named (by the IMA in 1984) after the British scientist Stanley Bowie (1917–2008), in recognition of his work on identification of opaque minerals. The mineral crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Pbcn).
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Bowieite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Bowieite Localities Map
See where Bowieite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 7
- Density
- 6.93 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Rh,Ir,Pt)2S3
- Elements
- Ir, Pt, Rh, S
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Bowieite FAQs
How do I identify Bowieite?
Bowieite can be identified by its hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
How hard is Bowieite?
Bowieite has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.
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