Vinciennite is a rare copper-iron-tin-arsenic sulfide belonging to the stannite group. It is typically found as small, massive grains in hydrothermal ore deposits and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its complex chemistry.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareStannite Group family

Vinciennite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this vinciennite?

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 vinciennite with a known reference. Vinciennite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vinciennite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vinciennite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pinkish-brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: massive, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vinciennite leaves black, Bornite leaves greyish black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vinciennite leaves black, Enargite leaves grayish-black.

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Often found alongside vinciennite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₁₀Fe₄Sn₂AsS₁₆
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 4.56 g/cm³
Colors: Pinkish-brown Reddish-brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Research
Host rock: Hydrothermal Sulfide Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity

Where rockhounds find vinciennite

Classic worldwide localities

Vincienne mine, France
Mina Pirquitas, Argentina
Huari Huari, Bolivia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal sulfide veins country — that is the host setting where vinciennite typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, chalcopyrite, tennantite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vinciennite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include pinkish-brown, reddish-brown.

Where is vinciennite found?+

Notable localities include Vincienne mine, France; Mina Pirquitas, Argentina; Huari Huari, Bolivia.

How much is vinciennite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is vinciennite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic. Handle with care, wash hands thoroughly after handling, and avoid creating or inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vinciennite?+

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

What minerals are found with vinciennite?+

Vinciennite commonly co-occurs with Pyrite, Chalcopyrite, Tennantite, Sphalerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vinciennite form in?+

Vinciennite typically forms in hydrothermal sulfide veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vinciennite used for?+

Vinciennite is used in collector, research.

Find vinciennite on the map

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