Feruvite is a rare calcium-rich member of the tourmaline group that is often difficult to distinguish from Schorl without chemical analysis. It typically occurs as dark, prismatic, trigonal crystals within pegmatite environments. Collectors value it primarily as an uncommon species within the extensive tourmaline mineral family.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareTourmaline Group family

Feruvite

Hardness: 7-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this feruvite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch feruvite with a known reference. Feruvite sits at Mohs 7-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Feruvite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Feruvite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Feruvite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside feruvite

Minerals reported to co-occur with feruvite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: CaFe₃(Al₅Mg)(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃(OH)
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 3.18-3.23 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Pegmatites
Typical price: $20-200 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find feruvite

Classic worldwide localities

Sri Lanka
Brazil
Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in pegmatites country — that is the host setting where feruvite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, mica in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify feruvite?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is feruvite found?+

Notable localities include Sri Lanka; Brazil; Mexico.

How much is feruvite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-200 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like feruvite?+

Feruvite is most often confused with Schorl, Dravite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with feruvite?+

Feruvite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Mica. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does feruvite form in?+

Feruvite typically forms in pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is feruvite used for?+

Feruvite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find feruvite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.