Hydroxyferroroméite is a rare member of the pyrochlore supergroup, typically occurring as small, octahedral crystals in manganese-rich metamorphic environments. It is most frequently found in historical manganese mining regions where it forms as an alteration product or a primary mineral in high-grade assemblages. Collectors should look for its distinctive yellow-to-brown octahedral habit within association with other manganese minerals.
Is this hydroxyferroroméite?
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 hydroxyferroroméite with a known reference. Hydroxyferroroméite sits at Mohs 5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydroxyferroroméite leaves a pale yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hydroxyferroroméite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Hydroxyferroroméite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hydroxyferroroméite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydroxyferroroméite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca◻₂Sb₂O₆(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 5.0-5.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Pale Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Manganese Deposits in Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find hydroxyferroroméite
Classic worldwide localities
- St. Marcel-Praborna mine, Italy
- Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Look in manganese deposits in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where hydroxyferroroméite typically forms. If you start seeing braunite, hausmannite, piemontite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydroxyferroroméite?+
Where is hydroxyferroroméite found?+
How much is hydroxyferroroméite worth?+
What rocks look like hydroxyferroroméite?+
What minerals are found with hydroxyferroroméite?+
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Find hydroxyferroroméite on the map
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