How do I identify Mooihoekite?

Mooihoekite can be identified by its hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

How hard is Mooihoekite?

Mooihoekite has a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Mooihoekite

A variety of Minerals

What is Mooihoekite?

Mooihoekite is a copper iron sulfide mineral with chemical formula of Cu9Fe9S16. The mineral was discovered in 1972 and received its name from its discovery area, the Mooihoek mine in Transvaal, South Africa.

Uses & Applications

Mooihoekite is a rare mineral that is mostly used for research purposes. It has similar properties to chalcopyrite CuFeS2, making it helpful in the study of ore deposits and the study of the central portion of the Cu-Fe-S phase system. Mooihoekite, chalcopyrite, talnakhite, and haycockite all play key roles in the study of ore genesis and beneficiation.

Mooihoekite Market Value Calculator

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

Mooihoekite Localities Map

See where Mooihoekite 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 Mooihoekite

It is found in massive sulfide from pipe-shaped dunite pegmatite in the norite zone of the Bushveld igneous complex in South Africa. It has also been found in troctolite from the basal Duluth gabbro in Minnesota, US; in the Talnakh area, Norilsk region, western Siberia; at Krzemianka, Poland; in the Malanjkhand copper-molybdenum deposit, Madhya Pradesh, India; and the Stillwater igneous complex in Montana, US. Mooihoekite occurs in association with haycockite, magnetite, troilite, cuprian pentlandite, mackinawite, sphalerite, and moncheite in the Mooihoek mine and with haycockite, native copper, troilite, pentlandite, cubanite and magnetite in the Duluth complex.