Rossovskyite is an extremely rare iron-tantalum-titanium oxide mineral typically found in granitic pegmatites. It is primarily identified by its submetallic luster and dark coloration, often occurring as massive aggregates that require laboratory analysis for definitive identification due to its similarity to other oxide minerals.
Is this rossovskyite?
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 rossovskyite with a known reference. Rossovskyite sits at Mohs 6-6.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Rossovskyite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Rossovskyite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: massive, anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Rossovskyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside rossovskyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with rossovskyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Fe,Ta)₂(Ti,Ta)₂O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 7.35 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Massive, Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Granitic Pegmatites
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen rarity and size
Where rockhounds find rossovskyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Rossovsky pegmatite, Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in granitic pegmatites country — that is the host setting where rossovskyite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, microcline, muscovite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify rossovskyite?+
Where is rossovskyite found?+
How much is rossovskyite worth?+
What rocks look like rossovskyite?+
What minerals are found with rossovskyite?+
What kind of rock does rossovskyite form in?+
What is rossovskyite used for?+
Find rossovskyite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
