Mineral Guide · Mineral
Oosterboschite is a rare copper-nickel sulfide associated with altered ultramafic rocks and platinum-group mineralisation.
Oosterboschite is a rare copper-nickel sulfide associated with altered ultramafic rocks and platinum-group mineralisation.
Reference formula: (Cu,Ni)2S. Oosterboschite is compositionally variable and often microscopic. When a public structure is not supported by a verified COD entry for the exact mineral name, no artificial lattice is assigned in this guide. Oosterboschite is classified with sulfides and has a cubic crystal system. Typical hardness is 3–4 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 4.5–5.0.
Typical colours include bronze, brass-yellow, black, grey. The usual granular, massive, crystalline habit and metallic lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Oosterboschite forms in or is associated with nickel-rich sulfide assemblages in serpentinised ultramafic rocks and hydrothermal ore systems. Important documented localities include Belgium, South Africa, Russia, Canada and other nickel-platinum districts.
Oosterboschite is a reminder that mineral collecting extends below the scale of hand specimens. Its value lies in the chemical record of ultramafic and platinum-group systems.
Keep enclosed and avoid dust or cutting; preserve host rock and analytical provenance.
Reviewed by NotOnlyRocks Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 28 August 2026
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