Ferro-taramite is a rare member of the calcic-sodic amphibole group often found in alkaline igneous environments. It typically appears as dark, prismatic crystals or massive aggregates that are easily confused with more common amphibole species like hornblende.
Is this ferro-taramite?
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-taramite with a known reference. Ferro-taramite 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-taramite leaves a grey-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferro-taramite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive.
Often confused with
Ferro-taramite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferro-taramite leaves grey-white, Hornblende leaves grayish-white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferro-taramite leaves grey-white, Hastingsite leaves white to light gray.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferro-taramite leaves grey-white, Arfvedsonite leaves grey to bluish-grey.
Often found alongside ferro-taramite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferro-taramite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(CaNa)(Fe²⁺₃AlFe³⁺)(Si₆Al₂)O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.3-3.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Grey-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect in Two Directions
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find ferro-taramite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Pietre Nere, Italy
- Czechoslovakia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where ferro-taramite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, titanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ferro-taramite on the map
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