Landauite is an extremely rare oxide mineral belonging to the crichtonite group, typically occurring as small, black, rhombohedral crystals. It is primarily identified through analytical methods like X-ray diffraction due to its visual similarity to more common black oxides like ilmenite. It is found in specific igneous environments, notably associated with carbonatites and related alkaline intrusive complexes.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareCrichtonite Group family

Landauite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this landauite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch landauite with a known reference. Landauite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Landauite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Landauite typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals.

Often confused with

Landauite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Landauite leaves black, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads submetallic on Landauite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.

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Often found alongside landauite

Minerals reported to co-occur with landauite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: NaMnMg₂(Ti,Fe)₁₈O₃₈
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.67 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find landauite

Classic worldwide localities

Landau, Palatinate, Germany
Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where landauite typically forms. If you start seeing ilmenite, magnetite, anatase in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify landauite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black.

Where is landauite found?+

Notable localities include Landau, Palatinate, Germany; Magnet Cove, Arkansas, USA.

How much is landauite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like landauite?+

Landauite is most often confused with Manaccanite, Iron Ore. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with landauite?+

Landauite commonly co-occurs with Ilmenite, Magnetite, Anatase. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does landauite form in?+

Landauite typically forms in igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is landauite used for?+

Landauite is used in collector.

Find landauite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.