Indite is an extremely rare iron-indium sulfide mineral belonging to the spinel group. It is primarily found as microscopic, massive, or granular inclusions within hydrothermal copper-sulfide deposits and is prized exclusively by advanced mineral collectors and researchers for its unique composition.
Is this indite?
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 indite with a known reference. Indite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Indite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Indite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: iron-black, dark gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Indite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Indite leaves black, Sphalerite leaves white to yellow-brown; luster reads metallic on Indite and resinous to submetallic on Sphalerite.
How to tell apart: Indite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Indite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Indite leaves black, Chalcopyrite leaves greenish-black.
Often found alongside indite
Minerals reported to co-occur with indite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- FeIn₂S₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.68 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Sulfide Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500+ per specimen
Where rockhounds find indite
Classic worldwide localities
- Udokan copper deposit, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where indite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, bornite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify indite?+
Where is indite found?+
How much is indite worth?+
Is indite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like indite?+
What minerals are found with indite?+
What kind of rock does indite form in?+
What is indite used for?+
Find indite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
