Batiferrite is a rare hexagonal oxide mineral belonging to the magnetoplumbite group. It is primarily found as black tabular crystals within metamorphosed manganese-rich ore deposits and is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareMagnetoplumbite Group family

Batiferrite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this batiferrite?

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

Often confused with

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

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

Compare →

Often found alongside batiferrite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BaFe²⁺₂Fe³⁺₁₀O₁₉
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 5.33 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brownish-black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Manganese Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 for rare micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find batiferrite

Classic worldwide localities

Batiferrite deposit, Langban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic manganese deposits country, the host setting where batiferrite typically forms. If you start seeing hematite, hausmannite, braunite 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 batiferrite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, brownish-black.

Where is batiferrite found?+

Notable localities include Batiferrite deposit, Langban, Sweden.

How much is batiferrite worth?+

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

What rocks look like batiferrite?+

Batiferrite 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 batiferrite?+

Batiferrite commonly co-occurs with Hematite, Hausmannite, Braunite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does batiferrite form in?+

Batiferrite typically forms in metamorphic manganese deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is batiferrite used for?+

Batiferrite is used in collector.

Find batiferrite on the map

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