Ulvöspinel is a member of the spinel group characterized by its metallic luster and black appearance. It is typically found as an accessory mineral in mafic igneous rocks and is frequently associated with magnetite-ilmenite solid solution series.
Is this ulvöspinel?
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 ulvöspinel with a known reference. Ulvöspinel sits at Mohs 5.5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: granular, massive, rarely as small crystals.
Often confused with
Ulvöspinel vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ulvöspinel
Minerals reported to co-occur with ulvöspinel. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Fe₂TiO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5-6
- Density
- 4.78 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, massive, rarely as small crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- A common component of titaniferous magnetite iron ores; in kimberlites; in strongly reduced iron-bearing basalts, terrestrial and lunar
Where rockhounds find ulvöspinel
Classic worldwide localities
- Duluth Gabbro complex, near Hibbing, St. Louis Co., Minnesota, USA
- Lake Sanford, Essex Co., New York, USA
- Soda Springs vent, Gila Co., Arizona, USA
- Grundhamn and other mines, near Södra Ulvön mountain, in the Ulvö Islands, Ångermanland archipelago, northern Sweden
- Susimäki, Kuisaari, Sammali, Finland
- Bühl, near Weimar, Hesse, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A common component of titaniferous magnetite iron ores; in kimberlites; in strongly reduced iron-bearing basalts, terrestrial and lunar. If you start seeing iron, magnetite, troilite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: granular, massive, rarely as small crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ulvöspinel?+
Where is ulvöspinel found?+
What rocks look like ulvöspinel?+
What minerals are found with ulvöspinel?+
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What is ulvöspinel used for?+
Find ulvöspinel on the map
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