Ferrocarpholite is a distinct iron-rich member of the carpholite group found primarily in high-pressure metamorphic terranes. It is most easily identified by its characteristic fibrous or needle-like crystal habits that often form radiating sheaves or bundles within its host rock.
Is this ferrocarpholite?
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 ferrocarpholite with a known reference. Ferrocarpholite sits at Mohs 5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ferrocarpholite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferrocarpholite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: straw-yellow, yellowish-green, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous, acicular, radiating clusters.
Often confused with
Ferrocarpholite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ferrocarpholite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferrocarpholite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe²⁺Al₂Si₂O₆(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.0-3.1 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Fibrous, Acicular, Radiating Clusters
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- High-pressure Metamorphic Rocks Such as Blueschists and Eclogites
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ferrocarpholite
Classic worldwide localities
- Verrucano, Italy
- Western Alps, France
- Sanbagawa belt, Japan
- Crete, Greece
Field-hunting tip
Look in high-pressure metamorphic rocks such as blueschists and eclogites country — that is the host setting where ferrocarpholite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, chlorite, lawsonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, acicular, radiating clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferrocarpholite?+
Where is ferrocarpholite found?+
How much is ferrocarpholite worth?+
What rocks look like ferrocarpholite?+
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Find ferrocarpholite on the map
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