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?
3-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.
- 2Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown.
- 3Look 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.
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
- 4.905 g/cm³
- Colors
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals, granular aggregates
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- An oxidation product of Fe-bearing basaltic glass in vesicles in basaltic scoria
Where rockhounds find luogufengite
Classic worldwide localities
- Luogufeng, China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: An oxidation product of Fe-bearing basaltic glass in vesicles in basaltic scoria. If you start seeing maghemite, hematite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify luogufengite?+
Where is luogufengite found?+
What rocks look like luogufengite?+
What minerals are found with luogufengite?+
What kind of rock does luogufengite form in?+
What is luogufengite used for?+
Find luogufengite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
