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, so Ecandrewsite leaves black, Geikielite leaves brown; luster reads metallic on Ecandrewsite and submetallic on Geikielite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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