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?
5-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 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Crowningshieldite leaves a yellowish brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Crowningshieldite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brown.
- 5Look 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: Streak differs — Crowningshieldite leaves yellowish brown, Sphalerite leaves white to yellow-brown; luster reads submetallic on Crowningshieldite and resinous to submetallic on Sphalerite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Crowningshieldite leaves yellowish brown, Wurtzite leaves brownish-yellow to light brown; luster reads submetallic on Crowningshieldite and resinous 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
- (Zn,Ni)S
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5-4
- Density
- 4.0-4.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nickel-copper Sulfide Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find crowningshieldite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sudbury Basin, Ontario, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in nickel-copper sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where crowningshieldite typically forms. If you start seeing pentlandite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify crowningshieldite?+
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How much is crowningshieldite worth?+
What rocks look like crowningshieldite?+
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Find crowningshieldite on the map
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