Mooihoekite is a rare copper-iron sulfide mineral found primarily in layered ultramafic complexes. It is visually very similar to chalcopyrite, often occurring as intergrowths, and typically requires laboratory analysis for definitive identification.
Is this mooihoekite?
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 mooihoekite with a known reference. Mooihoekite 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. Mooihoekite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Mooihoekite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bronze-yellow, brass-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Mooihoekite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside mooihoekite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mooihoekite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₉Fe₉S₁₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 4.26 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ultramafic Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-250 per specimen
Where rockhounds find mooihoekite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mooihoek Farm, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Norilsk, Russia
- Sudbury, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in ultramafic igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where mooihoekite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify mooihoekite?+
Where is mooihoekite found?+
How much is mooihoekite worth?+
What rocks look like mooihoekite?+
What minerals are found with mooihoekite?+
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Find mooihoekite on the map
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