Pseudobrookite
2 in the gallery
Pseudobrookite is an oxide mineral composed of iron and titanium, with the formula Fe2TiO5. It typically forms small, tabular or acicular crystals that can display a metallic to submetallic lustre and a dark, black to brownish surface. Habit can vary from granular aggregates to slender prisms, and it commonly occurs in oxidized iron and titaniferous rock environments, often found alongside other titanium-iron oxides.
- Formula
- Fe2TiO5
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
Where Pseudobrookite is found
Top localities
- Bellerberg volcano2 specimens
About Pseudobrookite
Notable specimens have been reported from localities in the United States and Germany, where hydrothermal, skarn, and later-stage oxidized zones provide suitable conditions for pseudobrookite to crystallize. The mineral’s association with titanomagnetite and ilmenite-bearing rocks helps explain its occurrence in these regions, and collecting can be appealing due to the contrast of its dark crystals against lighter gangue minerals in matrix or etched slabs.
Scientists and collectors prize pseudobrookite for its distinctive metallic lustre, unique crystal forms, and its role in illustrating oxide-oxide relationships in igneous and metamorphic systems. For collectors, well-formed crystals, sharp terminations, and well-preserved surfaces from classic localities offer compelling display pieces and interesting study material.