Skutterudite is a metallic arsenide mineral often found as distinct, sharp cubic crystals or dense granular masses. It is a significant ore of cobalt and is typically identified by its high specific gravity and association with other cobalt-nickel minerals in hydrothermal veins.

Hardness

5.5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineraluncommonSkutterudite Group family

Skutterudite

Also: smaltite, chloanthite

Hardness: 5.5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this skutterudite?

5-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 skutterudite with a known reference. Skutterudite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Skutterudite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Skutterudite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: tin-white, silver-white, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: isometric. Typical habit: cubic crystals, massive, granular, or compact masses.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Skutterudite leaves black, Cobaltite leaves greyish-black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Skutterudite leaves black, Gersdorffite leaves grayish-black.

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Often found alongside skutterudite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Co,Ni,Fe)As₃
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6
Density: 6.1-6.9 g/cm³
Colors: Tin-white Silver-white Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Isometric
Crystal habit: Cubic Crystals, Massive, Granular, Or Compact Masses
Cleavage: Distinct On {111}
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Ore of Cobalt, Ore of Nickel
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins, Nickel-cobalt-silver Deposits
Typical price: $15-150 for thumbnail to cabinet specimens

Where rockhounds find skutterudite

Classic worldwide localities

Skuterud, Norway
Bou Azzer, Morocco
Cobalt, Ontario, Canada
Schneeberg, Germany
Jachymov, Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins, nickel-cobalt-silver deposits country — that is the host setting where skutterudite typically forms. If you start seeing cobaltite, arsenopyrite, native silver in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a cubic crystals, massive, granular, or compact masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify skutterudite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include tin-white, silver-white, gray.

Where is skutterudite found?+

Notable localities include Skuterud, Norway; Bou Azzer, Morocco; Cobalt, Ontario, Canada; Schneeberg, Germany; Jachymov, Czech Republic.

How much is skutterudite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $15-150 for thumbnail to cabinet specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is skutterudite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains high levels of arsenic. Always wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or vapors during cutting or polishing. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like skutterudite?+

Skutterudite is most often confused with Arsenopyrite, Cobaltite, Gersdorffite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with skutterudite?+

Skutterudite commonly co-occurs with Cobaltite, Arsenopyrite, Native Silver, Bismuth, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does skutterudite form in?+

Skutterudite typically forms in hydrothermal veins, nickel-cobalt-silver deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is skutterudite used for?+

Skutterudite is used in collector, ore of cobalt, ore of nickel.

Find skutterudite on the map

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