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 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: orange.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: reddish brown.
- 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: Streak differs, so Hematophanite leaves orange, Litharge leaves red; luster reads submetallic on Hematophanite and greasy to dull on Litharge.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Hematophanite leaves orange, Minium leaves yellow-orange; luster reads submetallic on Hematophanite and dull to slightly greasy 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
- 2-3
- Density
- 7.70 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Orange
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque, transparent through thin edges
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, micaceous aggregates
- Cleavage
- {001}, good; a parting inclined to {001} suspected
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a metamorphosed banded Fe–Mn ore deposit in dolostone (Jakobsberg, Sweden)
Where rockhounds find hematophanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jakobsberg and Långban, Värmland, Sweden
- Reichelsdorf, Hesse, Germany, in slag
- Kombat Cu–Pb–Ag mine, 49 km south of Tsumeb, Namibia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a metamorphosed banded Fe–Mn ore deposit in dolostone (Jakobsberg, Sweden). If you start seeing plumboferrite, jacobsite, andradite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, micaceous aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hematophanite?+
Where is hematophanite found?+
Is hematophanite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like hematophanite?+
What minerals are found with hematophanite?+
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What is hematophanite used for?+
Find hematophanite on the map
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