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 — 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 — that is 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

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