Ferro-holmquistite is a rare lithium-rich amphibole found primarily in the contact zones of lithium-bearing pegmatites. Collectors typically look for its distinct dark violet or blue-black acicular, needle-like crystals that form radiating sprays. It is most easily identified by its unique paragenesis with spodumene in metamorphosed pegmatite margins.
Is this ferro-holmquistite?
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 ferro-holmquistite with a known reference. Ferro-holmquistite 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. Ferro-holmquistite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferro-holmquistite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark blue, violet, dark green, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular to prismatic crystals, often in fibrous or radiating aggregates.
Often confused with
Ferro-holmquistite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ferro-holmquistite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferro-holmquistite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- □{Li₂}{Fe²⁺₃Mg₂}(Si₈O₂₂)(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.3-3.4 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular to Prismatic Crystals, Often in Fibrous or Radiating Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Prismatic
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Lithium-rich Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen depending on size and crystal definition
Where rockhounds find ferro-holmquistite
Classic worldwide localities
- Greenbushes, Western Australia
- Utö, Sweden
- Hiddenite, North Carolina, USA
- Ambatofinandrahana, Madagascar
Field-hunting tip
Look in lithium-rich pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ferro-holmquistite typically forms. If you start seeing spodumene, quartz, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular to prismatic crystals, often in fibrous or radiating aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferro-holmquistite?+
Where is ferro-holmquistite found?+
How much is ferro-holmquistite worth?+
What rocks look like ferro-holmquistite?+
What minerals are found with ferro-holmquistite?+
What kind of rock does ferro-holmquistite form in?+
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Find ferro-holmquistite on the map
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