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 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: dark brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, very dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: inclusions.
Often confused with
Ferrotitanowodginite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ferrotitanowodginite leaves dark brown, Wodginite leaves brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ferrotitanowodginite leaves dark brown, Columbite leaves blackish brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ferrotitanowodginite leaves dark brown, Tantalite leaves black to reddish-brown.
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
- FeTiTa₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 7.368 g/cm³
- Colors
- BlackVery dark brown
- Streak
- Dark brown
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Inclusions
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In complex rare-element pegmatite in locally tourmalinized quartz-mica schist of medium metamorphic grade
Where rockhounds find ferrotitanowodginite
Classic worldwide localities
- San Elías and La Viquita pegmatites, Sierra de la Estanzuela, Chacabuco, San Luis province, Argentina
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In complex rare-element pegmatite in locally tourmalinized quartz-mica schist of medium metamorphic grade. If you start seeing ferrowodginite, ferrotapiolite, cleavelandite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: inclusions. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ferrotitanowodginite?+
Where is ferrotitanowodginite found?+
What rocks look like ferrotitanowodginite?+
What minerals are found with ferrotitanowodginite?+
What kind of rock does ferrotitanowodginite form in?+
What is ferrotitanowodginite used for?+
Find ferrotitanowodginite on the map
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