Potassic-ferro-taramite is a rare member of the amphibole supergroup, typically found in high-grade metamorphic complexes. It generally forms dark, prismatic crystals that are difficult to distinguish from other common hornblende-series minerals without sophisticated chemical analysis.
Is this potassic-ferro-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-taramite with a known reference. Potassic-ferro-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. Streak: white to pale gray.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 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-taramite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Potassic-ferro-taramite leaves white to pale gray, Hornblende leaves grayish-white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Potassic-ferro-taramite leaves white to pale gray, Taramite leaves greenish gray.
Often found alongside potassic-ferro-taramite
Minerals reported to co-occur with potassic-ferro-taramite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K(NaCa)(Fe₃Al₂)(Si₆Al₂)O₂₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.3-3.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White to pale gray
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- metamorphic rocks
Where rockhounds find potassic-ferro-taramite
Classic worldwide localities
- Ukraine
- Finland
- Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: metamorphic rocks. If you start seeing plagioclase, quartz, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify potassic-ferro-taramite?+
Where is potassic-ferro-taramite found?+
What rocks look like potassic-ferro-taramite?+
What minerals are found with potassic-ferro-taramite?+
What kind of rock does potassic-ferro-taramite form in?+
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Find potassic-ferro-taramite on the map
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