RocksdayIlvaite
Ilvaite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6 and a submetallic luster, usually black.
A black calcium-iron silicate with a dull metallic shine, first found on the island of Elba.
How to identify ilvaite
- Black stubby prisms, often striated.
- Black streak.
- Hardness about 5.5–6. Heavier than hornblende.
Often confused with
Where it's found
- Elba, Italy
- Dalnegorsk, Russia
- Greenland
- Idaho
Uses
Collector specimens.
Rock tumbling
Not suitable for tumbling.
Did you know?
Ilva is the Latin name for Elba, where it was discovered.
Ilvaite FAQ
What is ilvaite?
Ilvaite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6 and a submetallic luster, usually black. A black calcium-iron silicate with a dull metallic shine, first found on the island of Elba.
How do you identify ilvaite?
Black stubby prisms, often striated. Black streak. Hardness about 5.5–6. Heavier than hornblende.
How hard is ilvaite?
Ilvaite has a Mohs hardness of 5.5–6. Ilvaite scratches glass, and a steel knife can't scratch it.
Where is ilvaite found?
Notable localities include Elba, Italy; Dalnegorsk, Russia; Greenland; and Idaho.
What is ilvaite used for?
Collector specimens.
Can you tumble ilvaite?
It isn't a good choice for a rock tumbler.
What is ilvaite often confused with?
Ilvaite is most often confused with Black Tourmaline and Hornblende. Schorl has a white streak and a triangular cross-section. Hornblende is lighter and has a gray-green streak, not black.
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