Titanomaghemite is an oxidation product of titanomagnetite typically found as a primary magnetic carrier in basaltic lavas. It is generally found as submicroscopic grains within volcanic rock matrices, making it highly significant in paleomagnetic studies rather than as a collector's specimen.
Is this titanomaghemite?
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 titanomaghemite with a known reference. Titanomaghemite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Titanomaghemite leaves a black to reddish-brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Titanomaghemite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: fine-grained, massive, disseminated.
Often confused with
Titanomaghemite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Titanomaghemite leaves black to reddish-brown, Magnetite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Titanomaghemite leaves black to reddish-brown, Manaccanite leaves black; luster reads metallic on Titanomaghemite and submetallic on Manaccanite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Titanomaghemite leaves black to reddish-brown, Maghemite leaves brown.
Often found alongside titanomaghemite
Minerals reported to co-occur with titanomaghemite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₃₋ₓTiₓO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.8-5.1 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black to Reddish-brown
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Fine-grained, Massive, Disseminated
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Scientific Research, Paleomagnetism
- Host rock
- Igneous Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- low
Where rockhounds find titanomaghemite
Classic worldwide localities
- oceanic crust
- basaltic flows
- volcanic deposits
Field-hunting tip
Look in igneous volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where titanomaghemite typically forms. If you start seeing plagioclase, pyroxene, ilmenite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fine-grained, massive, disseminated habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find titanomaghemite on the map
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