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. Ulvöspinel leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ulvöspinel typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, brownish-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.
How to tell apart: Luster reads metallic on Ulvöspinel and submetallic on Manaccanite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ulvöspinel leaves black, Chromite leaves dark brown; luster reads metallic on Ulvöspinel and submetallic on Chromite.
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
- 4.7-4.9 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
- Mafic Igneous Rocks and Layered Intrusions
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ulvöspinel
Classic worldwide localities
- Ulvö Island, Sweden
- Skye, Scotland
- Bushveld Complex, South Africa
- Duluth Complex, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in mafic igneous rocks and layered intrusions country — that is the host setting where ulvöspinel typically forms. If you start seeing magnetite, ilmenite, plagioclase in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, rarely as small crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ulvöspinel on the map
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