Crowningshieldite is a rare nickel-bearing hexagonal zinc sulfide that occurs within complex sulfide ore bodies. It is primarily identified through laboratory analysis of samples from the Sudbury nickel district, as it is visually indistinguishable from common sphalerite in hand samples. Collectors typically value it as a rare mineralogical locality study.
Is this crowningshieldite?
4-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch crowningshieldite with a known reference. Crowningshieldite sits at Mohs 3-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bronze yellow.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Crowningshieldite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Crowningshieldite and resinous to adamantine on Sphalerite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Crowningshieldite and resinous, brilliant submetallic on crystal faces on Wurtzite.
Often found alongside crowningshieldite
Minerals reported to co-occur with crowningshieldite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ni₀.₉Fe₀.₁)S
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 5.47 g/cm³
- Colors
- Bronze yellow
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Part of a multiphase inclusion in a gem-quality, colorless, type IIa (containing less than ~5 ppm N) diamond from a kimberlite pipe
Where rockhounds find crowningshieldite
Classic worldwide localities
- Letseng diamond mine, Lesotho
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Part of a multiphase inclusion in a gem-quality, colorless, type IIa (containing less than ~5 ppm N) diamond from a kimberlite pipe. If you start seeing diamond, magnetite-magnesioferrite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify crowningshieldite?+
Where is crowningshieldite found?+
Is crowningshieldite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like crowningshieldite?+
What minerals are found with crowningshieldite?+
What kind of rock does crowningshieldite form in?+
What is crowningshieldite used for?+
Find crowningshieldite on the map
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