Magnesiohögbomite-2N4S is a complex oxide mineral belonging to the högbomite group, typically found in high-grade metamorphic terrains. It usually appears as dark, metallic-lustered hexagonal plates embedded in rock matrices, often requiring microscopic study for positive identification.
Is this magnesiohögbomite-2n4s?
4-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-2n4s with a known reference. Magnesiohögbomite-2N4S sits at Mohs 6.5-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: light orange.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange-red.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, hexagonal plates.
Often confused with
Magnesiohögbomite-2N4S 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. 6.5-7); streak differs, so Magnesiohögbomite-2N4S leaves light orange, Corundum leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Magnesiohögbomite-2N4S leaves light orange, Spinel leaves white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Magnesiohögbomite-2N4S leaves light orange, Hematite leaves cherry-red or reddish brown.
Often found alongside magnesiohögbomite-2n4s
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesiohögbomite-2n4s. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mg,Fe²⁺)₆(Al,Ti,Fe³⁺)₁₆O₂₈(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5-7
- Density
- 3.702 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light orange
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, hexagonal plates
- Cleavage
- On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- The product of retrograde metamorphism in a Mg-Al-rich, Si-poor skarn developed in dolomitic impure marble
Where rockhounds find magnesiohögbomite-2n4s
Classic worldwide localities
- Koyubi Ridge area, Sør Rondane Mountains, Queen Maud Land, East Antarctica
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: The product of retrograde metamorphism in a Mg-Al-rich, Si-poor skarn developed in dolomitic impure marble. If you start seeing corundum, spinel, phlogopite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, hexagonal plates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnesiohögbomite-2n4s?+
Where is magnesiohögbomite-2n4s found?+
What rocks look like magnesiohögbomite-2n4s?+
What minerals are found with magnesiohögbomite-2n4s?+
What kind of rock does magnesiohögbomite-2n4s form in?+
What is magnesiohögbomite-2n4s used for?+
Find magnesiohögbomite-2n4s on the map
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