Ferrotaaffeite-2N’2S is an exceptionally rare beryllium mineral that was formerly part of the broad taaffeite classification. It is typically found as small, high-clarity hexagonal crystals in metasomatic deposits associated with granitic intrusions.
Is this ferrotaaffeite-2n’2s?
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 ferrotaaffeite-2n’2s with a known reference. Ferrotaaffeite-2N’2S sits at Mohs 8.5-9, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, dark gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Ferrotaaffeite-2N’2S vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ferrotaaffeite-2n’2s
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferrotaaffeite-2n’2s. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Fe,Mg,Zn)₃Al₈BeO₁₆
- Mohs hardness
- 8.5-9
- Density
- 3.99 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- Fair on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a contact metamorphic skarn zone
Where rockhounds find ferrotaaffeite-2n’2s
Classic worldwide localities
- Xianghualing Sn-polymetallic ore field, Linwu County, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a contact metamorphic skarn zone. If you start seeing cassiterite, liberite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferrotaaffeite-2n’2s?+
Where is ferrotaaffeite-2n’2s found?+
Is ferrotaaffeite-2n’2s safe to handle?+
What rocks look like ferrotaaffeite-2n’2s?+
What minerals are found with ferrotaaffeite-2n’2s?+
What kind of rock does ferrotaaffeite-2n’2s form in?+
What is ferrotaaffeite-2n’2s used for?+
Find ferrotaaffeite-2n’2s on the map
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