Ferri-winchite is a rare member of the amphibole supergroup characterized by its distinct blue to violet coloration. It is primarily found in metamorphic environments and alkaline igneous complexes as prismatic to fibrous crystals.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareAmphibole Supergroup family

Ferri-winchite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this ferri-winchite?

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 ferri-winchite with a known reference. Ferri-winchite 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. Ferri-winchite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ferri-winchite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, violet, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, fibrous aggregates.

Often confused with

Ferri-winchite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside ferri-winchite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na(NaCa)Mg₄Fe³⁺(Si₈O₂₂)(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.3-3.4 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Violet Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals, Fibrous Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect in Two Directions
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks, Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find ferri-winchite

Classic worldwide localities

Khandivali, India
Fen Complex, Norway
Siberia, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks, alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where ferri-winchite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, apatite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, fibrous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ferri-winchite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, violet, brown.

Where is ferri-winchite found?+

Notable localities include Khandivali, India; Fen Complex, Norway; Siberia, Russia.

How much is ferri-winchite 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 ferri-winchite?+

Ferri-winchite is most often confused with Winchite, Richterite, Glaucophane. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ferri-winchite?+

Ferri-winchite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Diopside, Apatite, Magnetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ferri-winchite form in?+

Ferri-winchite typically forms in metamorphic rocks, alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ferri-winchite used for?+

Ferri-winchite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find ferri-winchite on the map

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