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 — that is 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.