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, so Titanomaghemite leaves black to reddish-brown, Magnetite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Titanomaghemite leaves black to reddish-brown, Manaccanite leaves black; luster reads metallic on Titanomaghemite and submetallic on Manaccanite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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