Wolframite
Real mineral · uncommon · (Fe,Mn)WO₄
Iron manganese tungstate and the primary ore of tungsten. Forms in high-temperature hydrothermal veins associated with granitic intrusions. Its exceptional density causes it to concentrate in alluvial placers.
Identity
- Formula
- (Fe,Mn)WO₄
- Chemical class
- oxide
- Also known as
- Ferberite (iron-rich end), Hübnerite (manganese-rich end)
Crystallography
- Crystal system
- monoclinic
- Habits
- tabular, prismatic, massive
- Fracture
- uneven
Physical properties
- Mohs hardness
- 4.5
- Density
- 7.3 g/cm³
- Luster
- metallic, submetallic
- Colors
- black, brownish black, reddish brown
- Streak
- black to reddish brown
- Transparency
- opaque
Geology
- Origins
- hydrothermal, igneous
- Host rocks
- granite, pegmatite, quartz veins
- Associated minerals
- Cassiterite, Scheelite, Quartz, Arsenopyrite
- Geography
- China, Bolivia, Portugal, Russia, Australia
Classification
- Rarity
- uncommon
- Gem quality
- No
Browse the Crystal Encyclopedia — MGS Toolbox