Oxystannomicrolite is a rare member of the pyrochlore supergroup, typically occurring as distinct, octahedral crystals in granitic pegmatites. It is often identified by its characteristic resinous luster and dense weight, usually associated with cassiterite and other rare earth minerals.
Is this oxystannomicrolite?
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 oxystannomicrolite with a known reference. Oxystannomicrolite sits at Mohs >7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: resinous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.
Often confused with
Oxystannomicrolite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside oxystannomicrolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with oxystannomicrolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Sn₂Ta₂O₆O
- Mohs hardness
- >7
- Density
- 8.34 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A very rare mineral, replacing ferrowodginite inclusions in tantalian cassiterite, in a museum specimen from a granite pegmatite
Where rockhounds find oxystannomicrolite
Classic worldwide localities
- São João del Rei, Brazil
- Alto Ligonha, Mozambique
- Skogbøle, Finland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A very rare mineral, replacing ferrowodginite inclusions in tantalian cassiterite, in a museum specimen from a granite pegmatite. If you start seeing ferrowodginite, tantalian cassiterite, bismuth in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: octahedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify oxystannomicrolite?+
Where is oxystannomicrolite found?+
Is oxystannomicrolite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like oxystannomicrolite?+
What minerals are found with oxystannomicrolite?+
What kind of rock does oxystannomicrolite form in?+
What is oxystannomicrolite used for?+
Find oxystannomicrolite on the map
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