FERBERITE

 

Ferberite is an iron tungstate mineral, FeWO4.  It is the iron-rich end member of a chemical spectrum called wolframite, (Fe,Mn)WO4.  It has a metallic to submetallic luster, black color and streak, moderate hardness (H = 4 to 4.5), perfect cleavage, parting, and a high specific gravity.  Ferberite crystals are often described as wedge-shaped; crystal faces tend to be striated.  Ferberite also occurs in massive and granular forms.

 

Ferberite has been reported from some hydrothermal veins, some pegmatitic granites & altered granites, and in some alluvial deposits.

 

Ferberite from the Tazna Mine, Atocha-Quechisla Mining District, Potosí Department, Bolivia (CSM # 54433, Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum, Golden, Colorado, USA).

 


 

Photo gallery of ferberite

 


 

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