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 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: iron black.
- 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: Indite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs, so Indite leaves black, Sphalerite leaves pale brown to pale yellow and white; luster reads metallic on Indite and resinous to adamantine on Sphalerite.
How to tell apart: Indite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 2.5-2.75); streak differs, so Indite leaves black, Galena leaves lead-gray.
How to tell apart: Indite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5-4); 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
- 5
- Density
- 4.67 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
- Of primary hydrothermal origin, replacing botryoidal cassiterite
Where rockhounds find indite
Classic worldwide localities
- Dzhalinda deposit, Little Khingan Ridge, Far Eastern Region, Russia (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Of primary hydrothermal origin, replacing botryoidal cassiterite. If you start seeing cassiterite, dzhalindite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive, granular aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find indite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
