Magnesionigerite-6N6S is a rare complex oxide mineral characterized by its extreme hardness and occurrence in tin-bearing deposits. It typically forms small tabular, hexagonal crystals that can be difficult to distinguish from common spinels or corundum without laboratory analysis.
Is this magnesionigerite-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 magnesionigerite-6n6s with a known reference. Magnesionigerite-6N6S sits at Mohs 8-9 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Magnesionigerite-6N6S leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Magnesionigerite-6N6S typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, black, yellowish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Magnesionigerite-6N6S vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside magnesionigerite-6n6s
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnesionigerite-6n6s. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mg,Fe,Zn)(Sn,Ti)₂(O,OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 8-9
- Density
- 4.49 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Pegmatites and Quartz Veins
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find magnesionigerite-6n6s
Classic worldwide localities
- Kabira, Rwanda
- Nagada, Sudan
- Schneckenstein, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in pegmatites and quartz veins country — that is the host setting where magnesionigerite-6n6s typically forms. If you start seeing sillimanite, gahnite, cassiterite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnesionigerite-6n6s?+
Where is magnesionigerite-6n6s found?+
How much is magnesionigerite-6n6s worth?+
What rocks look like magnesionigerite-6n6s?+
What minerals are found with magnesionigerite-6n6s?+
What kind of rock does magnesionigerite-6n6s form in?+
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Find magnesionigerite-6n6s on the map
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