Kiddcreekite is an extremely rare copper-tin-tungsten sulfide mineral discovered in the Kidd Creek Mine. It typically occurs as microscopic grains within complex massive sulfide ore and is primarily of interest to mineralogical researchers and advanced systematic collectors.
Is this kiddcreekite?
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 kiddcreekite with a known reference. Kiddcreekite 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. Kiddcreekite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kiddcreekite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pinkish-bronze, copper-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: granular to massive.
Often confused with
Kiddcreekite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kiddcreekite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kiddcreekite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₆SnWS₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 6.05 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Granular to Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association
Where rockhounds find kiddcreekite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kidd Creek Mine, Ontario, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where kiddcreekite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, sphalerite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular to massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kiddcreekite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
