Høgtuvaite is a rare member of the aenigmatite group found primarily in alkaline syenite pegmatites in Norway. It typically appears as dark, tabular crystals and is distinguished from its group relatives by its specific chemical composition and complex crystal structure.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Brownish Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAenigmatite Group family

Høgtuvaite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Brownish Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this høgtuvaite?

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 høgtuvaite with a known reference. Høgtuvaite 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. Høgtuvaite leaves a brownish black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Høgtuvaite 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: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Aenigmatite

Mohs 5.5-6

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Høgtuvaite leaves brownish black, Aenigmatite leaves reddish-brown.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Høgtuvaite leaves brownish black, Rhönite leaves brownish grey.

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Often found alongside høgtuvaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Fe²⁺₄Ti(Si₂O₇)O₂
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 3.85 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Streak: Brownish Black
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find høgtuvaite

Classic worldwide localities

Høgtuva, Nordland, Norway

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify høgtuvaite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is brownish black. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is høgtuvaite found?+

Notable localities include Høgtuva, Nordland, Norway.

How much is høgtuvaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like høgtuvaite?+

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

What minerals are found with høgtuvaite?+

Høgtuvaite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Microcline, Aegirine, Fluorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does høgtuvaite form in?+

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

What is høgtuvaite used for?+

Høgtuvaite is used in collector.

Find høgtuvaite on the map

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