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 — Batiferrite leaves black, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads metallic on Batiferrite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.

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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 — that is 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.