Oosterboschite
A variety of Minerals
What is Oosterboschite?
Oosterboschite is a rare selenide mineral with the formula (Pd,Cu)7Se5. It crystallises in the orthorhombic crystal system. It has a creamy yellow colour and a Moh's hardness of 5. It is often found as grains with no clear shape. The crystals are opaque and often no bigger than 0.4 mm.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Oosterboschite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Oosterboschite Localities Map
See where Oosterboschite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Oosterboschite
The mineral was approved by the IMA in 1970, after being discovered in the Musonoi Cu–Co mine, near Kolwezi, Katanga Province, Congo. It was later also discovered at the Copper Hills prospect, East Pilbara, Australia, and at Hope’s Nose, Torquay, Devon, England. It is often found in the oxidation zones of the mines, together with verbeekite, trogtalite, selenian digenite, covellite, gold, and chrisstanleyite. It was named after Robert Oosterbosch, a Belgian mining engineer that was very active in the Katanga region, where the type locality is also located.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 5
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Pd,Cu)7Se5
- Elements
- Cu, Pd, Se
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Oosterboschite FAQs
How do I identify Oosterboschite?
Oosterboschite can be identified by its hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
How hard is Oosterboschite?
Oosterboschite has a hardness of 5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of oosterboschite of Oosterboschite?
The mineral was approved by the IMA in 1970, after being discovered in the Musonoi Cu–Co mine, near Kolwezi, Katanga Province, Congo. It was later also discovered at the Copper Hills prospect, East Pilbara, Australia, and at Hope’s Nose, Torquay, Devon, England. It is often found in the oxidation zones of the mines, together with verbeekite, trogtalite, selenian digenite, covellite, gold, and chrisstanleyite. It was named after Robert Oosterbosch, a Belgian mining engineer that was very active in the Katanga region, where the type locality is also located.
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