Feiite is an extremely rare iron-rich mineral discovered in shock-metamorphosed meteorites. It typically forms as microscopic grains in high-pressure shock-melt veins alongside high-pressure polymorphs like ringwoodite. Due to its formation conditions, it is found primarily in scientific samples from specific meteoritic impacts.
Is this feiite?
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 feiite with a known reference. Feiite 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. Feiite leaves a brownish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Feiite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: anhedral to subhedral grains.
Often confused with
Feiite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Feiite leaves brownish, Magnetite leaves black; luster reads submetallic on Feiite and metallic on Magnetite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Feiite leaves brownish, Manaccanite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Feiite leaves brownish, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads submetallic on Feiite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.
Often found alongside feiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with feiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₃²⁺(Fe₀.₅³⁺Ti₀.₅)O₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.8-4.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral to Subhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Research
- Host rock
- Shock-metamorphosed Meteorites
- Typical price
- n/a (research grade material)
Where rockhounds find feiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Suizhou meteorite, Hubei, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in shock-metamorphosed meteorites country — that is the host setting where feiite typically forms. If you start seeing ringwoodite, bridgmanite, wadsleyite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral to subhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find feiite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
