Qandilite is a rare member of the spinel group characterized by its high titanium content. It is typically found as small, black, opaque octahedral crystals within contact-metamorphosed dolomitic limestones.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSpinel Group family

Qandilite

Hardness: ~7
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this qandilite?

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 qandilite with a known reference. Qandilite sits at Mohs ~7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Qandilite leaves black, Spinel leaves white; luster reads metallic on Qandilite and vitreous, splendent to dull on Spinel.

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Often found alongside qandilite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Mg,Fe³⁺)₂(Ti,Fe³⁺,Al)O₄
Mohs hardness: ~7
Density: 4.03-4.08 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral crystals
Cleavage: {111}, perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a forsterite skarn (Dupezeh Mountain, Iraq); in a periclase-forsterite skarn (Kangerdlugssuaq, Greenland); in the contact zone of an alkaline ultramafic massif (Konder massif, Russia)

Where rockhounds find qandilite

Classic worldwide localities

Dupezeh Mountain, near Hero Town, Qala-Dizeh, Iraq
Kangerdlugssuaq, Greenland
Konder massif, Aldan Shield, Sakha, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a forsterite skarn (Dupezeh Mountain, Iraq); in a periclase-forsterite skarn (Kangerdlugssuaq, Greenland); in the contact zone of an alkaline ultramafic massif (Konder massif, Russia). If you start seeing forsterite, spinel, perovskite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: octahedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify qandilite?+

Mohs hardness is ~7. Luster: metallic. The streak is black. Common colors include black.

Where is qandilite found?+

Notable localities include Dupezeh Mountain, near Hero Town, Qala-Dizeh, Iraq; Kangerdlugssuaq, Greenland; Konder massif, Aldan Shield, Sakha, Russia.

What rocks look like qandilite?+

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

What minerals are found with qandilite?+

Qandilite commonly co-occurs with Forsterite, Spinel, Perovskite, Calcite, Geikielite, Periclase. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does qandilite form in?+

Where it forms: In a forsterite skarn (Dupezeh Mountain, Iraq); in a periclase-forsterite skarn (Kangerdlugssuaq, Greenland); in the contact zone of an alkaline ultramafic massif (Konder massif, Russia). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is qandilite used for?+

Qandilite is used in collector.

Find qandilite on the map

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