Iron-manganese tungstate and major ore of tungsten. Name gives tungsten its chemical symbol W. Color: Dark brown to black. Luster: Submetallic to resinous. Streak: Reddish-brown to black. Cleavage: Perfect in one direction. Hardness: 4-4.5. Transparency: Translucent to opaque. Crystal system: Monoclinic. Chemical formula: Fe,Mn WO₄. Specific gravity: 7.0-7.5. Formation: Forms in high-temperature hydrothermal quartz veins associated with granitic intrusions. Common geological settings: China, Russia, Bolivia, Portugal; found in quartz veins near granite contacts. Common look-alikes and related entries: Cassiterite, Columbite, Sphalerite.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:34.12305+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Iron-manganese tungstate and major ore of tungsten. Name gives tungsten its chemical symbol W.
How can you identify Wolframite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Dark brown to black; lustre: Submetallic to resinous; streak: Reddish-brown to black; Mohs hardness: 4-4.5; cleavage: Perfect in one direction; crystal system: Monoclinic; transparency: Translucent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Wolframite form?
Forms in high-temperature hydrothermal quartz veins associated with granitic intrusions.
Where is Wolframite commonly found?
China, Russia, Bolivia, Portugal; found in quartz veins near granite contacts.
What is Wolframite commonly confused with?
Wolframite may be confused with Cassiterite, Columbite, Sphalerite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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