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 — 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 — that is 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.