Barioferrite is a rare barium iron oxide belonging to the magnetoplumbite group. It is primarily found in pyrometamorphic geological environments where high-temperature combustion of organic-rich sediments has altered the host rock.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareMagnetoplumbite Group family

Barioferrite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this barioferrite?

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 barioferrite with a known reference. Barioferrite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Barioferrite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Barioferrite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Barioferrite leaves black, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads metallic on Barioferrite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.

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Often found alongside barioferrite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BaFe₁₂O₁₉
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 5.35 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Pyrometamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find barioferrite

Classic worldwide localities

Hatrurim Formation, Israel
Bellerberg Volcano, Germany

Field-hunting tip

Look in pyrometamorphic rocks country, the host setting where barioferrite typically forms. If you start seeing gehlenite, harnesite, brownmillerite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify barioferrite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, dark brown.

Where is barioferrite found?+

Notable localities include Hatrurim Formation, Israel; Bellerberg Volcano, Germany.

How much is barioferrite worth?+

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

What rocks look like barioferrite?+

Barioferrite is most often confused with Magnetoplumbite, Iron Ore. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with barioferrite?+

Barioferrite commonly co-occurs with Gehlenite, Harnesite, Brownmillerite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does barioferrite form in?+

Barioferrite typically forms in pyrometamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is barioferrite used for?+

Barioferrite is used in collector.

Find barioferrite on the map

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