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.
Is this plumboferrite?
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 plumboferrite with a known reference. Plumboferrite sits at Mohs 6.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: nearly black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: crystalline, tabular.
Often confused with
Plumboferrite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Plumboferrite leaves nearly black, Magnetoplumbite leaves dark brown; luster reads submetallic on Plumboferrite and metallic, brilliant on Magnetoplumbite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Plumboferrite leaves nearly black, Hematite leaves cherry-red or reddish brown; luster reads submetallic on Plumboferrite and metallic or submetallic to dull on Hematite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Plumboferrite leaves nearly black, Magnetite leaves black; luster reads submetallic on Plumboferrite and metallic to submetallic, may be dull on Magnetite.
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
- 6.5
- Density
- 6.07 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Nearly black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Crystalline, tabular
- Cleavage
- {0001}, perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In metamorphosed lead-bearing Fe–Mn orebodies
Where rockhounds find plumboferrite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jakobsberg, Värmland, and at the Sjö mine, near Grythyttan, Örebro, Sweden
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In metamorphosed lead-bearing Fe–Mn orebodies. If you start seeing hematite, jacobsite, magnesioferrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: crystalline, tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify plumboferrite?+
Where is plumboferrite found?+
Is plumboferrite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like plumboferrite?+
What minerals are found with plumboferrite?+
What kind of rock does plumboferrite form in?+
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Find plumboferrite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
