Tungstite typically forms as a secondary yellow, powdery coating or earthy mass resulting from the oxidation of tungsten minerals like scheelite. It is commonly found in the weathering zones of tungsten ore deposits, rarely forming distinct, recognizable crystals.
Is this tungstite?
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 tungstite with a known reference. Tungstite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Tungstite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Tungstite typically shows a earthy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green, orange-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: powdery, earthy, massive, or as crusts.
Often confused with
Tungstite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside tungstite
Minerals reported to co-occur with tungstite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- WO₃·H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 5.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Earthy
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Powdery, Earthy, Massive, Or as Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Zones of Tungsten-bearing Hydrothermal Deposits
- Typical price
- $10-50 per specimen depending on matrix
Where rockhounds find tungstite
Classic worldwide localities
- Germany
- Czech Republic
- USA
- South Korea
- Bolivia
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized zones of tungsten-bearing hydrothermal deposits country — that is the host setting where tungstite typically forms. If you start seeing scheelite, wolframite, ferberite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a powdery, earthy, massive, or as crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify tungstite?+
Where is tungstite found?+
How much is tungstite worth?+
What rocks look like tungstite?+
What minerals are found with tungstite?+
What kind of rock does tungstite form in?+
What is tungstite used for?+
Find tungstite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
