Tomichite is a very rare titanium-vanadium-arsenic mineral found primarily in specific metasomatized ultramafic rocks in Western Australia. It typically occurs as small, dark, platy crystals that resemble ilmenite or hematite, often requiring X-ray diffraction for definitive identification in the field.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Brown

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Tomichite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Brown
Transparency: Opaque

Is this tomichite?

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 tomichite with a known reference. Tomichite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tomichite leaves a brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Tomichite typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

Tomichite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Tomichite leaves brown, Manaccanite leaves black.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Tomichite leaves brown, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads submetallic on Tomichite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.

Compare →

Often found alongside tomichite

Minerals reported to co-occur with tomichite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ti₄V₃AsO₁₃(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.8-5.0 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Brown Black
Streak: Brown
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metasomatized Ultramafic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per small specimen

Where rockhounds find tomichite

Classic worldwide localities

Mount Tomich, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metasomatized ultramafic rocks country, the host setting where tomichite typically forms. If you start seeing ilmenite, hematite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify tomichite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is brown. Common colors include dark brown, black.

Where is tomichite found?+

Notable localities include Mount Tomich, Australia.

How much is tomichite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is tomichite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, a toxic element. Handle with care, avoid inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like tomichite?+

Tomichite is most often confused with Manaccanite, Iron Ore. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with tomichite?+

Tomichite commonly co-occurs with ilmenite, hematite, quartz, rutile. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does tomichite form in?+

Tomichite typically forms in metasomatized ultramafic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is tomichite used for?+

Tomichite is used in collector.

Find tomichite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.