Luogufengite is a rare polymorph of iron oxide structurally related to the hematite group, distinguished primarily by its orthorhombic crystal structure. It is typically found in volcanic fumarolic environments as small, dark metallic plates or granular masses. Due to its discovery in highly specific volcanic settings, it is a significant specialty mineral for advanced collectors.
Is this luogufengite?
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 luogufengite with a known reference. Luogufengite sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Luogufengite leaves a reddish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luogufengite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Luogufengite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Luogufengite leaves reddish-brown, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads metallic on Luogufengite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Luogufengite leaves reddish-brown, Maghemite leaves brown.
Often found alongside luogufengite
Minerals reported to co-occur with luogufengite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₂O₃
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 5.19 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Reddish-brown
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumarolic Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find luogufengite
Classic worldwide localities
- Luogufeng, China
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumarolic deposits country — that is the host setting where luogufengite typically forms. If you start seeing goethite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify luogufengite?+
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What rocks look like luogufengite?+
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Find luogufengite on the map
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