Owensite is a rare copper-iron-nickel tin sulfide mineral characterized by its metallic luster and brassy coloration. It is primarily found as microscopic anhedral grains associated with other sulfide minerals in hydrothermal systems. Collectors typically identify this mineral through micro-analysis, as it is seldom found in macro-crystalline form.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Owensite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this owensite?

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 owensite with a known reference. Owensite 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: black.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside owensite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ba,Pb)₆(Cu,Fe,Ni)₂₅S₂₇
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.78 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Anhedral grains
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: All rights reserved

Where rockhounds find owensite

Classic worldwide localities

The Wellgreen Cu-Ni-Pt deposit, Kluane District, Yukon Territory, Canada (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: All rights reserved. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, bornite, galena 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 owensite?+

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

Where is owensite found?+

Notable localities include The Wellgreen Cu-Ni-Pt deposit, Kluane District, Yukon Territory, Canada (type locality).

Is owensite safe to handle?+

Owensite contains copper, lead and nickel. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like owensite?+

Owensite is most often confused with Stannite, Bornite, Chalcopyrite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with owensite?+

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

What kind of rock does owensite form in?+

What is owensite used for?+

Owensite is used in collector.

Find owensite on the map

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