Magnesiohögbomite-2N3S is a rare complex oxide mineral belonging to the högbomite group, often appearing as dark, metallic-lustered tabular crystals. It is primarily found in high-grade metamorphic rocks such as marbles or granulites. Due to its scarcity and similarity to spinel, identification often requires professional geochemical analysis or precise optical testing.
Is this magnesiohögbomite-2n3s?
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-2n3s with a known reference. Magnesiohögbomite-2N3S sits at Mohs 6-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, black, reddish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular hexagonal crystals.
Often confused with
Magnesiohögbomite-2N3S vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Corundum is the harder of the two (Mohs 9 vs. 6-7); luster reads vitreous on Magnesiohögbomite-2N3S and adamantine to vitreous; pearly on partings on Corundum.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Magnesiohögbomite-2N3S leaves white, Ilmenite leaves black to reddish brown; luster reads vitreous on Magnesiohögbomite-2N3S and metallic to submetallic on Ilmenite.
Often found alongside magnesiohögbomite-2n3s
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesiohögbomite-2n3s. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mg,Fe,Zn,Ti)₄(Al,Fe)₁₀O₁₉(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 3.8-4.0 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular hexagonal crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- metamorphic rocks
Where rockhounds find magnesiohögbomite-2n3s
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Kimpese, Congo
- Central Australia
- Madagascar
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: metamorphic rocks. If you start seeing spinel, corundum, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular hexagonal crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnesiohögbomite-2n3s?+
Where is magnesiohögbomite-2n3s found?+
What rocks look like magnesiohögbomite-2n3s?+
What minerals are found with magnesiohögbomite-2n3s?+
What kind of rock does magnesiohögbomite-2n3s form in?+
What is magnesiohögbomite-2n3s used for?+
Find magnesiohögbomite-2n3s on the map
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