Haggertyite is an extremely rare barium-iron-titanium oxide mineral typically found in metamorphic sanbornite deposits. Collectors should look for distinct, small black tabular crystals associated with barium minerals in California localities.
Is this haggertyite?
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 haggertyite with a known reference. Haggertyite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Haggertyite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Haggertyite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Haggertyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Haggertyite leaves black, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads metallic on Haggertyite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Haggertyite and submetallic on Manaccanite.
Often found alongside haggertyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with haggertyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaFe²⁺₆Ti₆O₁₉
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 4.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Barium-rich Silicate Rocks
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find haggertyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Creek, Fresno County, California, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed barium-rich silicate rocks country — that is the host setting where haggertyite typically forms. If you start seeing sanbornite, witherite, quartz 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
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Find haggertyite on the map
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