Redledgeite is a rare chromium-bearing titanium oxide typically occurring as small, prismatic, brownish-red to black crystals. It is most famously found in association with chromite deposits within serpentinite bodies. Due to its scarcity and distinct localized occurrence, it is highly sought after by mineral collectors specializing in rare species.
Is this redledgeite?
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 redledgeite with a known reference. Redledgeite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Redledgeite leaves a light yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Redledgeite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Redledgeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Redledgeite leaves light yellow, Hollandite leaves black; luster reads submetallic on Redledgeite and metallic on Hollandite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Redledgeite leaves light yellow, Cryptomelane leaves brownish black.
Often found alongside redledgeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with redledgeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaCr₄Ti₄O₁₆
- Mohs hardness
- 6-7
- Density
- 4.15 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Yellow
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Chromite-rich Serpentinite
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find redledgeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Red Ledge Mine, California, USA
- Pieskowa Skala, Poland
Field-hunting tip
Look in chromite-rich serpentinite country — that is the host setting where redledgeite typically forms. If you start seeing chromite, quartz, calcite 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 redledgeite on the map
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