Ferrihollandite is a rare member of the hollandite group, appearing as a dark, metallic oxide. It typically forms in metamorphic manganese-rich environments, often occurring as fibrous or acicular aggregates that can be visually indistinguishable from other manganese oxides without analytical testing.
Is this ferrihollandite?
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 ferrihollandite with a known reference. Ferrihollandite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferrihollandite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferrihollandite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: fibrous, acicular, massive.
Often confused with
Ferrihollandite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ferrihollandite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferrihollandite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ba(Mn⁴⁺₄Fe³⁺₄)O₁₆
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 4.7-5.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, Acicular, Massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Manganese Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for thumbnail to small cabinet specimens
Where rockhounds find ferrihollandite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sweden
- India
- Germany
- USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where ferrihollandite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, braunite, baryte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, acicular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferrihollandite?+
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How much is ferrihollandite worth?+
What rocks look like ferrihollandite?+
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Find ferrihollandite on the map
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