ferrowolframite

Ferrowolframite is a mineral belonging to the wolframite group, which also includes hübnerite and wolframite proper. Its chemical formula is (Fe,Mn)WO4, indicating that it is a solid solution series where iron and manganese are the primary substituting cations. Specifically, ferrowolframite is the iron-rich endmember of this series, though it typically contains some manganese. It is often found in association with quartz veins, pegmatites, and greisens, frequently occurring in hydrothermal ore deposits. The mineral crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system, forming prismatic or tabular crystals. It is typically opaque and has a black to brownish-black color. The streak of ferrowolframite is black. It possesses a metallic to submetallic luster and a hardness of about 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. The specific gravity of ferrowolframite ranges from approximately 7.1 to 7.5. As a member of the wolframite group, ferrowolframite is a significant ore of tungsten. Tungsten is a valuable metal used in the production of high-speed steel, cutting tools, filaments for light bulbs, and various alloys due to its high melting point and hardness. The identification and economic extraction of ferrowolframite are therefore important in the mining industry.