Plumboferrite is a rare lead-iron oxide mineral typically found in metamorphic manganese deposits. It usually occurs as small, black, metallic tabular crystals that can be difficult to distinguish from other iron-rich oxides without chemical analysis.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareMagnetoplumbite Group family

Plumboferrite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this plumboferrite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch plumboferrite with a known reference. Plumboferrite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Plumboferrite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Plumboferrite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

Plumboferrite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Plumboferrite leaves black, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads metallic on Plumboferrite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.

Often found alongside plumboferrite

Minerals reported to co-occur with plumboferrite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb(Fe,Mn)₁₂O₁₉
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 5.7-5.8 g/cm³
Colors: Black Gray
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Iron-manganese Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity

Where rockhounds find plumboferrite

Classic worldwide localities

Jakobsberg mine, Sweden
Langban, Sweden
Pajsberg, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed iron-manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where plumboferrite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, braunite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify plumboferrite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, gray.

Where is plumboferrite found?+

Notable localities include Jakobsberg mine, Sweden; Langban, Sweden; Pajsberg, Sweden.

How much is plumboferrite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is plumboferrite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like plumboferrite?+

Plumboferrite is most often confused with Magnetoplumbite, Iron Ore, Magnetite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with plumboferrite?+

Plumboferrite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Braunite, Calcite, Barite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does plumboferrite form in?+

Plumboferrite typically forms in metamorphosed iron-manganese deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is plumboferrite used for?+

Plumboferrite is used in collector.

Find plumboferrite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.