Oberthürite is an indium-rich variety of the sphalerite group. It is primarily identified by its distinct chemical composition, specifically the presence of indium, and is typically found in massive forms within hydrothermal sulfide deposits.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Light Brown

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSphalerite family

Oberthürite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Light Brown
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this oberthürite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch oberthürite with a known reference. Oberthürite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Oberthürite leaves a light brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Oberthürite typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

Oberthürite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Sphalerite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Oberthürite leaves light brown, Sphalerite leaves white to yellow-brown; luster reads submetallic on Oberthürite and resinous to submetallic on Sphalerite.

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Often found alongside oberthürite

Minerals reported to co-occur with oberthürite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (Zn,Fe,In)S
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 4.1 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Streak: Light Brown
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Sulfide Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size

Where rockhounds find oberthürite

Classic worldwide localities

Sentinelle mine, France

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal sulfide deposits country — that is the host setting where oberthürite typically forms. If you start seeing sphalerite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify oberthürite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is light brown. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is oberthürite found?+

Notable localities include Sentinelle mine, France.

How much is oberthürite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality and size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like oberthürite?+

Oberthürite is most often confused with Sphalerite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with oberthürite?+

Oberthürite commonly co-occurs with Sphalerite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does oberthürite form in?+

Oberthürite typically forms in hydrothermal sulfide deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is oberthürite used for?+

Oberthürite is used in collector.

Find oberthürite on the map

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