Ferberite is the iron-end member of the wolframite series (FeWO4-MnWO4) and is the dominant tungsten ore in the great Nanling tungsten belt of South China. It typically forms jet-black, lustrous tabular crystals.
Properties
- Formula: FeWO4
- Crystal system: Monoclinic
- Hardness: 4.5
- Color: Black
- Streak: Brownish-black to dark brown
- Luster: Sub-metallic to adamantine
- Cleavage: Perfect on {010}
- Density: 7.5 g/cm³
Occurrence in China
The Yaogangxian mine (Hunan) produces the world’s most spectacular ferberite specimens — large lustrous tabular crystals up to 15 cm on milky quartz. Yongping (Jiangxi) and Dabaoshan (Guangdong) are additional Chinese sources. Iberian Peninsula and Bolivia also produce ferberite.
Identification
Black + heavy (~7.5 g/cm³) + tabular monoclinic habit + association with quartz + mining context. Brown streak distinguishes from columbite (black streak). Within the wolframite series, ferberite is darker and more lustrous than huebnerite (Mn-end).
Collector Notes
Yaogangxian ferberite blades on snow quartz are signature Chinese collector pieces. Often associated with scheelite, fluorite, calcite and arsenopyrite from the same vein system.
Found at these Localities
- Panasqueira (帕纳斯凯拉钨矿)
- Llallagua (Siglo XX) (亚亚瓜矿)
- Dabaoshan Polymetallic Mine (大宝山多金属矿)
- Yongping Mine (永平铜矿)
- Yaogangxian Mine (瑶岗仙矿)
- Jiangxi (江西)
- Hunan (湖南)
