Magnetoplumbite is a rare lead-iron oxide that typically occurs as metallic, dark-colored hexagonal plates. It is primarily found in metamorphosed manganese deposits and is highly prized by mineral collectors for its unique structure and composition. It is often distinguished from similar iron oxides by its high density and specific geologic associations.
Is this magnetoplumbite?
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 magnetoplumbite with a known reference. Magnetoplumbite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: dark brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic, brilliant.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, grayish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Magnetoplumbite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Magnetoplumbite leaves dark brown, Hematite leaves cherry-red or reddish brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Magnetoplumbite leaves dark brown, Ilmenite leaves black to reddish brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Magnetoplumbite leaves dark brown, Magnetite leaves black.
Often found alongside magnetoplumbite
Minerals reported to co-occur with magnetoplumbite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbFe₁₂O₁₉
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 5.517 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Dark brown
- Luster
- Metallic, brilliant
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- {0001}, perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In skarns associated with metamorphosed Fe–Mn orebodies (Sweden)
Where rockhounds find magnetoplumbite
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Sweden
- Harstigen mine, near Persberg, Sweden
- Jakobsberg, Värmland, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In skarns associated with metamorphosed Fe–Mn orebodies (Sweden). If you start seeing melanotekite-kentrolite, hematite, jacobsite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnetoplumbite?+
Where is magnetoplumbite found?+
Is magnetoplumbite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like magnetoplumbite?+
What minerals are found with magnetoplumbite?+
What kind of rock does magnetoplumbite form in?+
What is magnetoplumbite used for?+
Find magnetoplumbite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
