Oscarkempffite is a rare silver-lead sulfosalt mineral primarily identified in hydrothermal deposits. It is typically found in close association with other complex sulfosalts and metallic sulfides in silver-bearing mine environments. Collectors prize it for its rarity and its distinct occurrence in the famous Pulacayo mine locality.
Is this oscarkempffite?
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 oscarkempffite with a known reference. Oscarkempffite 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. Streak: dark gray.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: grayish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often found alongside oscarkempffite
Minerals reported to co-occur with oscarkempffite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ag₁₀Pb₄(Sb₁₇Bi₉)S₄₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 5.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Dark gray
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a hydrothermal Ag-Sn vein deposit in strongly-altered dacitic volcanic rocks
Where rockhounds find oscarkempffite
Classic worldwide localities
- Colorada vein, Animas mine, Chocaya Province, Department of Potosi, Bolivia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a hydrothermal Ag-Sn vein deposit in strongly-altered dacitic volcanic rocks. If you start seeing aramayoite, stannite, miargyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: anhedral grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify oscarkempffite?+
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Find oscarkempffite on the map
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