Bobmeyerite is an extremely rare titanosilicate mineral found primarily in the alkaline igneous rocks of Magnet Cove. Collectors usually find it as small, dark brown tabular crystals embedded in nepheline syenite matrices, often associated with aegirine.
Is this bobmeyerite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch bobmeyerite with a known reference. Bobmeyerite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bobmeyerite leaves a brownish-yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bobmeyerite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, subhedral grains.
Often confused with
Bobmeyerite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bobmeyerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with bobmeyerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄Mn₂Ti₂Nb₂(Si₂O₇)₂O₄(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 4.67 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish-yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Subhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nepheline Syenite
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find bobmeyerite
Classic worldwide localities
- Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in nepheline syenite country — that is the host setting where bobmeyerite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, orthoclase in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find bobmeyerite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
