III-Grade or obsidian ochre, the most valuable member of the dark ochre family, was only first discovered a decade ago. The sleek black surface of this ore managed to absorb scanning waves, making obsidian ochre asteroids almost invisible. Advances in scanning technology revealed these beauties at last. This ore's 10% higher mineral yield makes it more than worth the effort required to find it. Considered a worthless ore for years, dark ochre was ignored by most miners until improved reprocessing techniques managed to extract the huge amount of Isogen and Mexallon inside it. Dark ochre also contains useful amounts of Nocxium. This material is compressed and a much more compact form of the original material.

II-Grade dark ochre, also known as onyx ochre, has a distinctive, shiny black surface that lends itself to ornamental uses. But the 5% higher mineral yield is what miners are really after. Like in all else, good looks are only an added bonus. Considered a worthless ore for years, dark ochre was ignored by most miners until improved reprocessing techniques managed to extract the huge amount of Isogen and Mexallon inside it. Dark ochre also contains useful amounts of Nocxium. This material is compressed and a much more compact form of the original material.