Oenite is a rare cobalt antimony arsenide, typically silver-white. It occurs in cu-Co-bearing skarns. It was first described from Tunaberg, Bergslagen metallic province, Sweden.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Gray

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Oenite

Oenite is a rare cobalt antimony arsenide, typically silver-white. It occurs in cu-Co-bearing skarns. It was first described from Tunaberg, Bergslagen metallic province, Sweden.

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

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Is this oenite?

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 oenite with a known reference. Oenite 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. Oenite leaves a gray streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Oenite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Sperrylite

Mohs 6-7

How to tell apart: Sperrylite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6-7 vs. 3.5); streak differs, so Oenite leaves gray, Sperrylite leaves black.

How to tell apart: Geversite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5.5 vs. 3.5); streak differs, so Oenite leaves gray, Geversite leaves black.

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Often found alongside oenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CoSbAs
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 7.91 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white
Streak: Gray
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Anhedral Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Mafic and Ultramafic Igneous Rocks

Where rockhounds find oenite

Classic worldwide localities

Tunaberg, Bergslagen metallic province, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks country, the host setting where oenite typically forms. If you start seeing chalcopyrite, pentlandite, pyrrhotite 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 oenite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is gray. Common colors include silver-white.

Where is oenite found?+

Notable localities include Tunaberg, Bergslagen metallic province, Sweden.

Is oenite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains antimony, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; handle with caution and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like oenite?+

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

What minerals are found with oenite?+

Oenite commonly co-occurs with Chalcopyrite, Pentlandite, Pyrrhotite, Platinum group minerals. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does oenite form in?+

Oenite typically forms in mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is oenite used for?+

Oenite is used in collector.

Find oenite on the map

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