How do I identify Kesterite?

Kesterite can be identified by its hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale, Greenish black color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Kesterite?

Kesterite typically appears in Greenish black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Kesterite?

Kesterite has a hardness of 4.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Kesterite

A variety of Minerals

What is Kesterite?

Kesterite is a sulfide mineral with a chemical formula of Cu2(Zn,Fe)SnS4. In its lattice structure, zinc and iron atoms share the same lattice sites. Kesterite is the Zn-rich variety whereas the Zn-poor form is called ferrokesterite or stannite. Owing to their similarity, kesterite is sometimes called isostannite. The synthetic form of kesterite is abbreviated as CZTS (from copper zinc tin sulfide). The name kesterite is sometimes extended to include this synthetic material and also CZTSe, which contains selenium instead of sulfur.

Uses & Applications

Kesterite like substances are being researched as a solar photovoltaic material.

Kesterite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Kesterite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Kesterite Localities Map

See where Kesterite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Kesterite

Kesterite was first described in 1958 in regard to an occurrence in the Kester deposit (and the associated locality) in Ynnakh Mountain, Yana basin, Yakutia, Russia, where it was discovered. It is usually found in quartz-sulfide hydrothermal veins associated with tin ore deposits. Associated minerals include arsenopyrite, stannoidite, chalcopyrite, chalcocite, sphalerite and tennantite. Stannite and kesterite occur together in the Ivigtut cryolite deposit of South Greenland. Solid solutions form between Cu2FeSnS4 and Cu2ZnSnS4 at temperatures above 680 °C. This accounts for the exsolved kesterite in stannite found in the cryolite.