Hematophanite is a rare lead iron oxychloride mineral typically found in metamorphosed manganese deposits. It usually forms small, dark, tabular crystals with a distinct reddish-brown color and a submetallic luster.
Is this hematophanite?
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 hematophanite with a known reference. Hematophanite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hematophanite leaves a orange-red streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hematophanite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark red, reddish-brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, micaceous aggregates.
Often confused with
Hematophanite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Hematophanite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); luster reads submetallic on Hematophanite and sub-adamantine on Litharge.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Hematophanite leaves orange-red, Minium leaves orange-yellow; luster reads submetallic on Hematophanite and dull on Minium.
Often found alongside hematophanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hematophanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₄Fe₃O₈(OH)Cl
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 8.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Orange-red
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Micaceous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Manganese-iron Ore Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hematophanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed manganese-iron ore deposits country — that is the host setting where hematophanite typically forms. If you start seeing långbanite, hausmannite, braunite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find hematophanite on the map
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