Macedonite is a rare lead titanium oxide mineral found in hydrothermal deposits. It typically forms opaque, submetallic pseudocubic crystals that are visually similar to other dark, metallic-lustered minerals in the perovskite group.

Hardness

5.5-6

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrarePerovskite Group family

Macedonite

Hardness: 5.5-6
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this macedonite?

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 macedonite with a known reference. Macedonite sits at Mohs 5.5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Macedonite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Macedonite typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: pseudocubic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Perovskite

Mohs 5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Macedonite leaves black, Perovskite leaves white; luster reads submetallic on Macedonite and adamantine on Perovskite.

Often found alongside macedonite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: PbTiO₃
Mohs hardness: 5.5-6
Density: 4.67 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Pseudocubic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find macedonite

Classic worldwide localities

Macedonia
Czech Republic
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where macedonite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudocubic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify macedonite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5-6. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is macedonite found?+

Notable localities include Macedonia; Czech Republic; Russia.

How much is macedonite 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.

Is macedonite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead (Pb); wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust or powder. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like macedonite?+

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

What minerals are found with macedonite?+

Macedonite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Feldspar, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does macedonite form in?+

Macedonite typically forms in hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is macedonite used for?+

Macedonite is used in collector.

Find macedonite on the map

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