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.
Is this owensite?
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 owensite with a known reference. Owensite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Owensite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Owensite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brass-yellow, bronze.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. 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
- (Cu,Fe,Ni)₆(Sn,Sb)₂S₈
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 4.92 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find owensite
Classic worldwide localities
- Owens Lake, California, USA
- Sudbury Basin, Ontario, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where owensite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, bornite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify owensite?+
Where is owensite found?+
How much is owensite worth?+
What rocks look like owensite?+
What minerals are found with owensite?+
What kind of rock does owensite form in?+
What is owensite used for?+
Find owensite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
