Bamfordite is a rare hydrated iron molybdenum oxide mineral known primarily from the Bamford Hill mine in Australia. It typically occurs as small, delicate red platy crystals within quartz cavities. It is a highly sought-after specimen for advanced micromount collectors due to its limited type locality and distinct habit.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Bamfordite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this bamfordite?

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 bamfordite with a known reference. Bamfordite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bamfordite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bamfordite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, brownish-red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Molybdite

Mohs 1-2

How to tell apart: Bamfordite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 1-2); luster reads vitreous on Bamfordite and silky on Molybdite.

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Often found alongside bamfordite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe³⁺Mo₂O₆(OH)₃·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 4.2 g/cm³
Colors: Red Brownish-red
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Quartz Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per micro-mount or thumbnail

Where rockhounds find bamfordite

Classic worldwide localities

Bamford Hill, Queensland, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal quartz veins country — that is the host setting where bamfordite typically forms. If you start seeing molybdenite, quartz, wolframite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bamfordite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include red, brownish-red.

Where is bamfordite found?+

Notable localities include Bamford Hill, Queensland, Australia.

How much is bamfordite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per micro-mount or thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like bamfordite?+

Bamfordite is most often confused with Molybdite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with bamfordite?+

Bamfordite commonly co-occurs with Molybdenite, Quartz, Wolframite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bamfordite form in?+

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

What is bamfordite used for?+

Bamfordite is used in collector.

Find bamfordite on the map

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