How do I identify Oosterboschite?

Oosterboschite can be identified by its hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

How hard is Oosterboschite?

Oosterboschite has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Oosterboschite

A variety of Minerals

What is Oosterboschite?

Oosterboschite is a rare selenide mineral with the formula (Pd,Cu)7Se5. It crystallises in the orthorhombic crystal system. It has a creamy yellow colour and a Moh's hardness of 5. It is often found as grains with no clear shape. The crystals are opaque and often no bigger than 0.4 mm.

Oosterboschite Market Value Calculator

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

Oosterboschite Localities Map

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

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Oosterboschite

The mineral was approved by the IMA in 1970, after being discovered in the Musonoi Cu–Co mine, near Kolwezi, Katanga Province, Congo. It was later also discovered at the Copper Hills prospect, East Pilbara, Australia, and at Hope’s Nose, Torquay, Devon, England. It is often found in the oxidation zones of the mines, together with verbeekite, trogtalite, selenian digenite, covellite, gold, and chrisstanleyite. It was named after Robert Oosterbosch, a Belgian mining engineer that was very active in the Katanga region, where the type locality is also located.