Magnesiohögbomite-2N2S is a rare complex oxide mineral typically found as tabular crystals in high-grade metamorphic environments. It is a member of the högbomite group and is primarily sought by advanced mineral collectors due to its scarcity and distinct hexagonal morphology.
Is this magnesiohögbomite-2n2s?
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 magnesiohögbomite-2n2s with a known reference. Magnesiohögbomite-2N2S sits at Mohs 6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: gray.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular.
Often confused with
Magnesiohögbomite-2N2S vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Spinel is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5-8 vs. 6.5); streak differs, so Magnesiohögbomite-2N2S leaves gray, Spinel leaves white; luster reads metallic adamantine on Magnesiohögbomite-2N2S and vitreous, splendent to dull on Spinel.
How to tell apart: Corundum is the harder of the two (Mohs 9 vs. 6.5); streak differs, so Magnesiohögbomite-2N2S leaves gray, Corundum leaves white; luster reads metallic adamantine on Magnesiohögbomite-2N2S and adamantine to vitreous; pearly on partings on Corundum.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Magnesiohögbomite-2N2S leaves gray, Hematite leaves cherry-red or reddish brown.
Often found alongside magnesiohögbomite-2n2s
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesiohögbomite-2n2s. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Al,Mg,Fe,Fe,Ti)₂₂(O,OH)₃₂
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 3.81 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Metallic adamantine
- Transparency
- Opaque, transparent in thin fragments
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular
- Cleavage
- Imperfect on {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A primary mineral, or replacing spinel or magnetite, in skarns, gabbros, gneisses, “emery” or other rocks formed during medium- to high-grade metamorphism; rarely detrital
Where rockhounds find magnesiohögbomite-2n2s
Classic worldwide localities
- Whittles, Pittsylvania Co., Virginia, USA
- Peekskill, Westchester Co., New York, USA
- Franklin, Macon Co., North Carolina, USA
- Ruoutevare Fe–Ti deposit, near Kvikkjokk, Norrbotten, Sweden
- Rödstrand, Norway
- Shoriya Mountains, western Siberia, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A primary mineral, or replacing spinel or magnetite, in skarns, gabbros, gneisses, “emery” or other rocks formed during medium- to high-grade metamorphism; rarely detrital. If you start seeing corundum, ferroan spinel, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnesiohögbomite-2n2s?+
Where is magnesiohögbomite-2n2s found?+
What rocks look like magnesiohögbomite-2n2s?+
What minerals are found with magnesiohögbomite-2n2s?+
What kind of rock does magnesiohögbomite-2n2s form in?+
What is magnesiohögbomite-2n2s used for?+
Find magnesiohögbomite-2n2s on the map
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