Skutterudite
A variety of Skutterudite Subgroup
What is Skutterudite?
Skutterudite is a grey, lustrous, and fairly rare mineral composed primarily of cobalt arsenide. The mineral’s unusual name is derived from a hill in southern Norway, where it was first discovered scientifically. Because it may contain high concentrations of iron or nickel, skutterudite is occasionally mined to be smelted for these elements. Particularly striking specimens are also sought after by rockhounds and collectors.
Uses & Applications
Skutterudite is commonly mined as a source of cobalt and nickel, which then may be used for a variety of other purposes. Cobalt has many applications, including its use in batteries, dyes and pigments (due to its rich blue color), and alloys. Nickel is also used in batteries, but also is used to make coins and metal sheeting.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Skutterudite 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.
Skutterudite Localities Map
See where Skutterudite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Skutterudite
The crystal structure of the skutterudite mineral was determined in 1928 by Oftedahl to be cubic, belonging to space group Im-3 (number 204). The unit cell can be considered to consist of eight smaller cubes made up of the Co atoms. Six of these cubes are filled with (almost) square planar rings of As, each of which is oriented parallel to one of the unit cell edges. The As atoms then form octahedra with Co in the center. In crystallographic terms, the Co atoms occupy the 8c sites, while the As atoms occupy the 24g sites. The position of the Co atoms within the unit cell is fixed, while the positions of the As atoms are determined by the parameters x and y. It has been shown that for the As-rings to be fully square, these parameters must satisfy the Oftedahl relation x + y = 1/2. Any deviation from this relation yields a rectangular configuration of the As atoms; indeed, this is the case for all known compounds with this structure, and the As atoms do not form a perfect octahedra. Together with the unit cell size and the assigned space group, the aforementioned parameters fully describe the crystal structure of the material. This structure is often referred to as the skutterudite structure.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Skutterudite dust is toxic because it contains heavy metals Arsenic, Cobalt.
- ⚠️It's advisable to handle skutterudite carefully to avoid generating dust and wash hands thoroughly afterward. When cutting or polishing skutterudite, wear a dust mask to prevent inhaling heavy metal particles. Store skutterudite in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Tin-white to silver-gray, gray (tarnished)
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5.5 - 6
- Density
- 6.821 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Crystal System
- Isometric
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- CoAs3
- Elements
- As, Co
Also Known As
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Skutterudite FAQs
How do I identify Skutterudite?
Skutterudite can be identified by its hardness of 5.5 - 6 on the Mohs scale, Tin-white to silver-gray color, Metallic luster, Isometric crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Skutterudite?
Skutterudite typically appears in Tin-white to silver-gray, gray (tarnished). Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Skutterudite?
Skutterudite has a hardness of 5.5 - 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the composition of skutterudite of Skutterudite?
The crystal structure of the skutterudite mineral was determined in 1928 by Oftedahl to be cubic, belonging to space group Im-3 (number 204). The unit cell can be considered to consist of eight smaller cubes made up of the Co atoms. Six of these cubes are filled with (almost) square planar rings of As, each of which is oriented parallel to one of the unit cell edges. The As atoms then form octahedra with Co in the center. In crystallographic terms, the Co atoms occupy the 8c sites, while the As atoms occupy the 24g sites. The position of the Co atoms within the unit cell is fixed, while the positions of the As atoms are determined by the parameters x and y. It has been shown that for the As-rings to be fully square, these parameters must satisfy the Oftedahl relation x + y = 1/2. Any deviation from this relation yields a rectangular configuration of the As atoms; indeed, this is the case for all known compounds with this structure, and the As atoms do not form a perfect octahedra. Together with the unit cell size and the assigned space group, the aforementioned parameters fully describe the crystal structure of the material. This structure is often referred to as the skutterudite structure.