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, so 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, so Indite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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
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Find indite on the map
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