Oosterboschite is an exceptionally rare palladium-copper selenide mineral found in the oxidation zones of specific cobalt-copper deposits. It typically occurs as microscopic grains embedded within larger mineral masses, requiring professional micro-analysis for definitive identification.
Is this oosterboschite?
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 oosterboschite with a known reference. Oosterboschite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Oosterboschite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Oosterboschite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains and inclusions.
Often confused with
Oosterboschite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside oosterboschite
Minerals reported to co-occur with oosterboschite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Pd,Cu)₇Se₅
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 9.18 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral to Subhedral Grains and Inclusions
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- Sedimentary-hosted Copper-cobalt-uranium Deposits
- Typical price
- Expensive, primarily sold to specialized mineral researchers and high-end systematic collectors.
Where rockhounds find oosterboschite
Classic worldwide localities
- Musonoi mine, Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary-hosted copper-cobalt-uranium deposits country — that is the host setting where oosterboschite typically forms. If you start seeing selenide minerals, uraninite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains and inclusions habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify oosterboschite?+
Where is oosterboschite found?+
How much is oosterboschite worth?+
Is oosterboschite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like oosterboschite?+
What minerals are found with oosterboschite?+
What kind of rock does oosterboschite form in?+
What is oosterboschite used for?+
Find oosterboschite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
