Filipstadite is an extremely rare oxide mineral belonging to the spinel group, known primarily from the Långban mining district in Sweden. It occurs as small, black, metallic octahedral crystals embedded in manganese-rich carbonate rocks. Collectors prize this species for its rarity and its distinct chemical composition involving antimony.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSpinel Group family

Filipstadite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this filipstadite?

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 filipstadite with a known reference. Filipstadite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Filipstadite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Filipstadite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Filipstadite leaves black, Hausmannite leaves brownish-red; luster reads metallic on Filipstadite and submetallic on Hausmannite.

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Often found alongside filipstadite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mn,Mg)₂(Sb,Fe,Mn)O₄
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 5.36 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find filipstadite

Classic worldwide localities

Långban, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where filipstadite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, magnetite, dolomite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify filipstadite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black.

Where is filipstadite found?+

Notable localities include Långban, Sweden.

How much is filipstadite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like filipstadite?+

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

What minerals are found with filipstadite?+

Filipstadite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Magnetite, Dolomite, Jacobsite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does filipstadite form in?+

Filipstadite typically forms in metamorphosed manganese deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is filipstadite used for?+

Filipstadite is used in collector.

Find filipstadite on the map

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