Ovamboite is a rare copper iron germanium sulfide primarily identified in the famous Tsumeb Mine of Namibia. It typically appears as massive, metallic-looking grains and is often found in association with other germanium-bearing minerals in hydrothermal ore deposits.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Ovamboite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

Is this ovamboite?

4-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 ovamboite with a known reference. Ovamboite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: cubic crystals, microscopic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ovamboite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₁₀Fe₃WGe₃S₁₆
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.736 g/cm³
Colors: Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Cubic crystals, microscopic crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a germanium-bearing, base-metal, massive-sulfide deposit (Tsumeb); in a gold-bearing, base-metal, massive-sulfide deposit (Maikain)

Where rockhounds find ovamboite

Classic worldwide localities

Tsumeb deposit, Ovamboland, Namibia and the Maikain deposit, Kazakhstan

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a germanium-bearing, base-metal, massive-sulfide deposit (Tsumeb); in a gold-bearing, base-metal, massive-sulfide deposit (Maikain). If you start seeing maikainite, germanite, germanocolusite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: cubic crystals, microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ovamboite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. Luster: metallic. Common colors include gray.

Where is ovamboite found?+

Notable localities include Tsumeb deposit, Ovamboland, Namibia and the Maikain deposit, Kazakhstan.

Is ovamboite safe to handle?+

Ovamboite contains copper. Contains copper, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

What rocks look like ovamboite?+

Ovamboite is most often confused with Tennantite, Tetrahedrite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ovamboite?+

Ovamboite commonly co-occurs with Maikainite, Germanite, Germanocolusite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ovamboite form in?+

Where it forms: In a germanium-bearing, base-metal, massive-sulfide deposit (Tsumeb); in a gold-bearing, base-metal, massive-sulfide deposit (Maikain). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ovamboite used for?+

Ovamboite is used in collector.

Find ovamboite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.