Idaite is a rare copper iron sulfide mineral typically identified by its distinct bronze-red metallic luster and lack of significant crystal faces. It is almost exclusively found in massive form as an alteration product within complex copper deposits. Collectors usually find it alongside larger deposits of bornite or chalcopyrite, from which it is often derived.
Is this idaite?
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 idaite with a known reference. Idaite sits at Mohs 2.5-3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, copper red, red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: inclusions, microscopic crystals.
Often confused with
Idaite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Idaite leaves black, Bornite leaves pale grayish black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Idaite leaves black, Covellite leaves lead-gray, shining; luster reads metallic on Idaite and submetallic, inclining to resinous, somewhat pearly on cleavage; subresinous to dull when massive on Covellite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Idaite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish black.
Often found alongside idaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with idaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃FeS₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3.5
- Density
- 4.20 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Inclusions, microscopic crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A lamellar decomposition product of bornite, commonly associated with fine spindles of chalcopyrite; apparently of secondary origin, a first product of enrichment
Where rockhounds find idaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Upper White Canyon, San Juan Co., Utah, USA
- Ida mine, Khan River Valley, Swakopmund district (type locality), Namibia
- Tsumeb, Namibia
- Found near Bou Azzer, Morocco
- Nchanga, Zambia
- Skouriotissa, Cyprus
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A lamellar decomposition product of bornite, commonly associated with fine spindles of chalcopyrite; apparently of secondary origin, a first product of enrichment. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, bornite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: inclusions, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify idaite?+
Where is idaite found?+
Is idaite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like idaite?+
What minerals are found with idaite?+
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What is idaite used for?+
Find idaite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
