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, so Ferrotitanowodginite leaves brownish-black, Wodginite leaves yellowish brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ferrotitanowodginite leaves brownish-black, Columbium Ore leaves dark red to black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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
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Find ferrotitanowodginite on the map
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