Priderite is a rare titanium-rich member of the hollandite group typically found in potassic igneous rocks like lamproites. Collectors should look for its distinctive prismatic black crystals embedded in volcanic or intrusive matrices. It is primarily valued by mineralogists for its complex crystal structure and unique occurrence in specific alkaline environments.
Is this priderite?
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 priderite with a known reference. Priderite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Priderite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Priderite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Priderite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside priderite
Minerals reported to co-occur with priderite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (K,Ba)(Ti,Fe)₈O₁₆
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Lamproites and Alkaline Igneous Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find priderite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kimberley region, Western Australia
- Katanga, DR Congo
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in lamproites and alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where priderite typically forms. If you start seeing leucite, phlogopite, diopside 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
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Find priderite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
