Hydroxyferroroméite is a rare iron antimony hydroxide, typically yellow to yellow-brown. It occurs in powdery boxwork replacements after tetrahedrite in a siderite-quartz matrix (France). Associated minerals include hematite, goethite and chalcopyrite. It was first described from Correc d'en Llinassos, near Oms, Pyrénées-Orientales Department, France.
Is this hydroxyferroroméite?
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 hydroxyferroroméite with a known reference. Hydroxyferroroméite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydroxyferroroméite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Hydroxyferroroméite typically shows a earthy to vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Hydroxyferroroméite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hydroxyferroroméite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydroxyferroroméite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Fe²⁺₁.₅☐₀.₅)Sb⁵⁺₂O₆(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 5.0-5.5 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Earthy to Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Manganese Deposits in Metamorphic Rocks
Where rockhounds find hydroxyferroroméite
Classic worldwide localities
- Correc d'en Llinassos, Pyrénées-Orientales Department, France
Field-hunting tip
Look in manganese deposits in metamorphic rocks country, the host setting where hydroxyferroroméite typically forms. If you start seeing braunite, hausmannite, piemontite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydroxyferroroméite?+
Where is hydroxyferroroméite found?+
Is hydroxyferroroméite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like hydroxyferroroméite?+
What minerals are found with hydroxyferroroméite?+
What kind of rock does hydroxyferroroméite form in?+
What is hydroxyferroroméite used for?+
Find hydroxyferroroméite on the map
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