The facts
What ferberite actually is
The species behind ferberite is wolframite group, Fe²⁺(WO₄); it forms in the monoclinic system.
Fe²⁺ in a tungstate; opaque black with submetallic to resinous lustre is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a specific gravity of about 7.4–7.6, with perfect {010} cleavage.
Where ferberite comes from
Commercial material comes from Panasqueira, Portugal, Yaogangxian, Hunan, China, Tazna, Bolivia and Sierra Almagrera, Spain.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How ferberite is treated
Untreated. Bladed Panasqueira crystals with quartz, apatite and arsenopyrite are the classic association. Remarkably heavy for a black mineral, which is the field clue.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What ferberite is confused with
Watch for Hübnerite, Columbite, Ilmenite and Manganite — these are what turn up sold under this name.
Because the material is opaque, refractive index is no help. Specific gravity around 7.4–7.6, hardness of 4–4.5, streak and magnification do the work instead.
What ferberite is used for
The trades that buy ferberite are mineral collecting, heavy industry and metallurgy. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen or by the tonne.
Durability and care
Ferberite is 4–4.5 on the Mohs scale, with perfect {010} cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What ferberite costs
Expect roughly Specimens $30–$3,000, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is ferberite treated, and how?
Untreated. Bladed Panasqueira crystals with quartz, apatite and arsenopyrite are the classic association. Remarkably heavy for a black mineral, which is the field clue.
Where does ferberite come from?
Panasqueira, Portugal, Yaogangxian, Hunan, China, Tazna, Bolivia and Sierra Almagrera, Spain. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is ferberite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 4–4.5 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does ferberite cost?
Indicatively Specimens $30–$3,000. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is ferberite confused with?
Most often Hübnerite, Columbite, Ilmenite and Manganite. Since the material is opaque, separation relies on specific gravity near 7.4–7.6, hardness and magnification.
What is ferberite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, heavy industry and metallurgy. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for ferberite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about ferberite