Eleomelanite is a rare, iron-titanium oxide mineral typically found in small, massive grains within igneous environments. It is often distinguished from ilmenite by its specific optical properties and minor chemical variations, making it a curiosity for advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Eleomelanite

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

No image

Is this eleomelanite?

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 eleomelanite with a known reference. Eleomelanite 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. Eleomelanite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Eleomelanite typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads submetallic on Eleomelanite and metallic on Magnetite.

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Often found alongside eleomelanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: FeTi₂O₅
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.5-3.6 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find eleomelanite

Classic worldwide localities

Norway
Sweden
United States

Field-hunting tip

Look in igneous rocks country, the host setting where eleomelanite typically forms. If you start seeing ilmenite, magnetite, pyroxene in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify eleomelanite?+

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

Where is eleomelanite found?+

Notable localities include Norway; Sweden; United States.

How much is eleomelanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like eleomelanite?+

Eleomelanite is most often confused with Manaccanite, Magnetite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with eleomelanite?+

Eleomelanite commonly co-occurs with Ilmenite, Magnetite, Pyroxene. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does eleomelanite form in?+

Eleomelanite typically forms in igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is eleomelanite used for?+

Eleomelanite is used in collector.

Find eleomelanite on the map

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