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, 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.