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: 6
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 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Qandilite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Qandilite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
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: Spinel is the harder of the two (Mohs 8 vs. 6); streak differs, so Qandilite leaves black, Spinel leaves white; luster reads metallic on Qandilite and vitreous 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: Mg₂TiO₄
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 4.41 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Limestone
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find qandilite

Classic worldwide localities

Qandil Mountains, Iraq
Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed limestone country, the host setting where qandilite typically forms. If you start seeing forsterite, diopside, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify qandilite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, dark brown.

Where is qandilite found?+

Notable localities include Qandil Mountains, Iraq; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is qandilite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

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, Diopside, Calcite, Spinel. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does qandilite form in?+

Qandilite typically forms in metamorphosed limestone. 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.