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, 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?+
What kind of rock does hydroxyferroroméite form in?+
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Find hydroxyferroroméite on the map
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