Ecandrewsite is a rare zinc-rich member of the ilmenite group, primarily occurring in high-grade metamorphic terrains. It is typically found as opaque, black granular masses and is notoriously difficult to distinguish from other ilmenite-group minerals without chemical analysis. Collectors prize it as a rare mineralogical curiosity from zinc-rich ore bodies.
Is this ecandrewsite?
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 ecandrewsite with a known reference. Ecandrewsite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ecandrewsite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ecandrewsite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: massive, granular.
Often confused with
Ecandrewsite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Ecandrewsite and submetallic on Manaccanite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ecandrewsite leaves black, Geikielite leaves brown; luster reads metallic on Ecandrewsite and submetallic on Geikielite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ecandrewsite leaves black, Pyrophanite leaves yellowish-orange; luster reads metallic on Ecandrewsite and submetallic on Pyrophanite.
Often found alongside ecandrewsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ecandrewsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Zn,Fe,Mn)TiO₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 5.1-5.3 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on size and provenance
Where rockhounds find ecandrewsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
- Skellefte District, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where ecandrewsite typically forms. If you start seeing sphalerite, gahnite, rutile in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ecandrewsite on the map
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