Ferropseudobrookite is an iron-titanium oxide mineral typically found in volcanic rocks as small, well-formed prismatic crystals. It is distinguished from other iron-titanium oxides by its orthorhombic structure and its tendency to occur within basaltic or rhyolitic cavities. Collectors primarily source these from classic volcanic regions in Europe and Mexico.
Is this ferropseudobrookite?
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 ferropseudobrookite with a known reference. Ferropseudobrookite 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. Streak: brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Ferropseudobrookite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ferropseudobrookite leaves brown, Ilmenite leaves black to reddish brown; luster reads submetallic on Ferropseudobrookite and metallic to submetallic on Ilmenite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ferropseudobrookite leaves brown, Hematite leaves cherry-red or reddish brown; luster reads submetallic on Ferropseudobrookite and metallic or submetallic to dull on Hematite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ferropseudobrookite leaves brown, Pseudobrookite leaves reddish brown to ocher-yellow; luster reads submetallic on Ferropseudobrookite and metallic adamantine, may be tarnished iridescent, greasy on fractures on Pseudobrookite.
Often found alongside ferropseudobrookite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferropseudobrookite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- FeTi₂O₅
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 4.3-4.4 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic to tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- volcanic rocks, particularly rhyolites and basaltic scoria
Where rockhounds find ferropseudobrookite
Classic worldwide localities
- Eifel Mountains, Germany
- Puy-de-Dôme, France
- Mexico
- Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: volcanic rocks, particularly rhyolites and basaltic scoria. If you start seeing fayalite, magnetite, sanidine in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic to tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferropseudobrookite?+
Where is ferropseudobrookite found?+
What rocks look like ferropseudobrookite?+
What minerals are found with ferropseudobrookite?+
What kind of rock does ferropseudobrookite form in?+
What is ferropseudobrookite used for?+
Find ferropseudobrookite on the map
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