How do I identify Warwickite?

Warwickite can be identified by its hardness of 5.5 - 6 on the Mohs scale, Dark brown color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Warwickite?

Warwickite typically appears in Dark brown, grey to black; coppery tinge on cleavage at times; reddish brown in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Warwickite?

Warwickite has a hardness of 5.5 - 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Warwickite

A variety of Minerals

What is Warwickite?

Warwickite is an iron magnesium titanium borate mineral with formula: (MgFe)3Ti(O, BO3)2 or Mg(Ti,Fe, Al)(BO3)O. It occurs as brown to black prismatic orthorhombic crystals which are vitreous and transparent. It has a Mohs hardness of 3 to 4 and a specific gravity of 3.36.

Warwickite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Warwickite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Warwickite Localities Map

See where Warwickite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Formation of Warwickite

It occurs metasomatized limestone skarns and in lamproite and carbonatite veinlets. It was first described in 1838 near Warwick, Orange County, New York. It has also been reported from Bancroft, Ontario; in Murcia Province, Spain; in Siberia and near Pyongyang, North Korea.

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color: Dark brown, grey to black; coppery tinge on cleavage at times; reddish brown in transmitted light
Hardness (Mohs): 5.5 - 6
Density: 3.34 - 3.36 g/cm³
Streak: Bluish black