Vaesite is a rare nickel sulfide mineral that typically forms as small, opaque, octahedral crystals. It is most commonly found in association with other sulfide minerals in copper-cobalt deposits or hydrothermal environments.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePyrite Group family

Vaesite

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

Is this vaesite?

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

Often confused with

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

mineral

Pyrite

Mohs 6-6.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vaesite leaves black, Pyrite leaves greenish-black to brownish-black.

Often found alongside vaesite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NiS₂
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 4.45 g/cm³
Colors: Black Grayish-black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins, Sedimentary Rocks
Typical price: $20-150 for micro to thumbnail specimens

Where rockhounds find vaesite

Classic worldwide localities

Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ashanti, Ghana
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Skouriotissa, Cyprus

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks country — that is the host setting where vaesite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, millerite, carrollite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vaesite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, grayish-black.

Where is vaesite found?+

Notable localities include Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo; Ashanti, Ghana; Sudbury, Ontario, Canada; Skouriotissa, Cyprus.

How much is vaesite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for micro to thumbnail specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is vaesite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains nickel and sulfur; handle with care and wash hands after handling to avoid skin irritation or accidental ingestion. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vaesite?+

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

What minerals are found with vaesite?+

Vaesite commonly co-occurs with Pyrite, Millerite, Carrollite, Chalcopyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vaesite form in?+

Vaesite typically forms in hydrothermal veins, sedimentary rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vaesite used for?+

Vaesite is used in collector.

Find vaesite on the map

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