Potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite is an exceedingly rare member of the complex amphibole supergroup. It typically forms dark, prismatic crystals within alkaline igneous complexes and is primarily sought by advanced systematic mineral collectors.
Is this potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite?
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 potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite with a known reference. Potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite leaves a grey streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite leaves grey, Hornblende leaves grayish-white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite leaves grey, Arfvedsonite leaves grey to bluish-grey.
Often found alongside potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite
Minerals reported to co-occur with potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- {(K)(NaCa)(Fe²⁺₃Fe³⁺Fe³⁺)(AlSi₆O₂₂)(OH)₂}
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.3-3.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Grey
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect in Two Directions
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen
Where rockhounds find potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Italy
- Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, aegirine, albite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite?+
Where is potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite found?+
How much is potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite worth?+
What rocks look like potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite?+
What minerals are found with potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite?+
What kind of rock does potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite form in?+
What is potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite used for?+
Find potassic-ferro-ferri-taramite on the map
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