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Wolframite (Ferberite) identification and geology

Iron-dominant end member of the wolframite series. Forms black opaque crystals in tungsten-bearing veins. Color: Black. Luster: Submetallic. Streak: Brownish-black. Cleavage: Perfect in one direction. Hardness: 4.5. Transparency: Opaque. Crystal system: Monoclinic. Chemical formula: FeWO₄. Specific gravity: 7.51. Formation: Forms in high-temperature hydrothermal quartz veins, often in greisen deposits near granites. Common geological settings: Bolivia, Portugal, China, Rwanda; found in tungsten-tin hydrothermal veins. Common look-alikes and related entries: Wolframite, Columbite, Ilmenite.

Sources, scope & corrections

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
2026-02-10T20:29:50.275794+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.

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Common questions

What is Wolframite Ferberite?
Iron-dominant end member of the wolframite series. Forms black opaque crystals in tungsten-bearing veins.
How can you identify Wolframite Ferberite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Black; lustre: Submetallic; streak: Brownish-black; Mohs hardness: 4.5; cleavage: Perfect in one direction; crystal system: Monoclinic; transparency: Opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Wolframite Ferberite form?
Forms in high-temperature hydrothermal quartz veins, often in greisen deposits near granites.
Where is Wolframite Ferberite commonly found?
Bolivia, Portugal, China, Rwanda; found in tungsten-tin hydrothermal veins.
What is Wolframite Ferberite commonly confused with?
Wolframite Ferberite may be confused with Wolframite, Columbite, Ilmenite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.

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