The chemical formula of mineral Wolfeite is indicated by (Fe, Mn)2PO4OH or Iron Manganese Phosphate Hydroxide. Wolfeite is actually a Phosphate mineral. It is only most commonly used as mineral specimen. Wolfeite is actually a rare and obscure mineral. It is usually found in altered granite pegmatites with other rare phosphate minerals. The oxidation state of iron and manganese ions in this mineral species is usually noted. This is so important because the presence of Wolfeite indicates that the iron and manganese have not undergone extensive oxidation. Wolfeite may possibly be found intermediate between hornblende and Purpurite. Wolfeite is usually confused with the names of Wolframite and Wulfenite. Wolfeite is a nice rare mineral with rather high luster and interesting color that any collector would love to own.

 

            Mineral Wolfeite is most commonly found reddish to dark brown color that could appear more fascinating when viewed with the aid of petrographic polarizing light microscopes. Wolfeite is usually found showing vitreous to adamantine or even greasy luster when viewed in reflected light of petrographic polarizing light microscopes. The crystal habit of mineral Wolfeite is generally prismatic crystals or fibrous aggregates that appear more interesting when viewed with the aid of polarized microscopes used in optical mineralogy. Most crystals of mineral Wolfeite are found rarely transparent but more commonly translucent in appearance. Wolfeite is known to crystallize in the monoclinic system of crystal formation.

 

            Mineral Wolfeite is usually found with absent cleavage even if it is closely evaluated with the aid of petrographic polarizing light microscopes. It is usually found showing uneven fracture when viewed with the aid of polarized microscopes for mineralogists. The hardness measure of mineral Wolfeite when it is evaluated using the Mohs scale method is usually ranging from 4.5 to 5. Wolfeite is also most commonly found leaving a white streak when rubbed on a white porcelain streak plate. The specific gravity measure of the mineral is approximately 3.8+ grams per cubic centimeters, which is above average value. Wolfeite crystals are usually found striated vertically when viewed with the aid of petrographic polarizing microscopes used in optical mineralogy. Wolfeite is usually found associated with other interesting minerals including quartz, Purpurite, feldspars, hurealite and other phosphate minerals found in altered granite pegmatites. The best field indicators of mineral Wolfeite usually include color, luster, associations, crystal habit and striations. Wolfeite notably occur at several localities including Germany and some areas in USA such as South Dakota and Palermo Mine in New Hampshire.