Magnesiohögbomite-6N6S is a rare complex oxide mineral belonging to the högbomite group, characterized by its brownish-black tabular crystals. It typically occurs in high-grade metamorphic rocks and is often difficult to distinguish from spinel without professional analytical techniques.
Is this magnesiohögbomite-6n6s?
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-6n6s with a known reference. Magnesiohögbomite-6N6S 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: adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular.
Often confused with
Magnesiohögbomite-6N6S 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-6N6S leaves gray, Spinel leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Magnesiohögbomite-6N6S 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-6N6S leaves gray, Corundum leaves white.
Often found alongside magnesiohögbomite-6n6s
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesiohögbomite-6n6s. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mg,Al,Fe,Fe)₃(Al,Ti)₈O₁₅(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5
- Density
- 3.81 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Gray
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular
- Cleavage
- Imperfect on {0001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed iron ore deposits
Where rockhounds find magnesiohögbomite-6n6s
Classic worldwide localities
- Ruoutevare district, Lapland, Norway (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Metamorphosed iron ore deposits. If you start seeing spinel, corundum, 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-6n6s?+
Where is magnesiohögbomite-6n6s found?+
What rocks look like magnesiohögbomite-6n6s?+
What minerals are found with magnesiohögbomite-6n6s?+
What kind of rock does magnesiohögbomite-6n6s form in?+
What is magnesiohögbomite-6n6s used for?+
Find magnesiohögbomite-6n6s on the map
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