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. Magnetoplumbite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Magnetoplumbite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular hexagonal crystals, often in compact masses.
Often confused with
Magnetoplumbite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Magnetoplumbite leaves black, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads metallic on Magnetoplumbite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Magnetoplumbite and submetallic on Manaccanite.
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
- Pb(Fe³⁺,Mn²⁺,Ti)₁₂O₁₉
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 5.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Hexagonal Crystals, Often in Compact Masses
- Cleavage
- Indistinct
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphosed Iron-manganese Deposits and Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find magnetoplumbite
Classic worldwide localities
- Långban, Sweden
- Jacupiranga, Brazil
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphosed iron-manganese deposits and alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where magnetoplumbite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, braunite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular hexagonal crystals, often in compact masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify magnetoplumbite?+
Where is magnetoplumbite found?+
How much is magnetoplumbite worth?+
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.
