Ferrotitanowodginite is an exceptionally rare member of the wodginite group, specifically the iron-dominant analog. It occurs as small, dark, submetallic crystals primarily found in highly evolved rare-element granite pegmatites. Collectors typically identify it by its specific gravity and association with other tantalum-bearing minerals in pegmatitic environments.
Is this ferrotitanowodginite?
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 ferrotitanowodginite with a known reference. Ferrotitanowodginite 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. Ferrotitanowodginite leaves a brownish-black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ferrotitanowodginite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Ferrotitanowodginite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferrotitanowodginite leaves brownish-black, Wodginite leaves yellowish brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferrotitanowodginite leaves brownish-black, Columbium Ore leaves dark red to black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ferrotitanowodginite leaves brownish-black, Tantalite leaves black to reddish-brown; luster reads submetallic on Ferrotitanowodginite and submetallic to resinous on Tantalite.
Often found alongside ferrotitanowodginite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ferrotitanowodginite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MnFe²⁺Ta₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 6.0-6.2 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish-black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granite Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ferrotitanowodginite
Classic worldwide localities
- Wodgina, Australia
- Tanco Mine, Canada
- Pikwe, Zimbabwe
Field-hunting tip
Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where ferrotitanowodginite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, microcline, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferrotitanowodginite?+
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Find ferrotitanowodginite on the map
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