There are only three ideal end-member compositions possible in the wolframite group. These are MnWO4 ( huebnerite ), FeWO4 ( ferberite ), and ZnWO4 ( sanmartinite ). Wolframite , the mineral for which the group is named, comprises the range of compositions from (Mn0.2Fe0.8) WO4 to (Mn0.8Fe0.2)WO4. In other words, the Mn: Fe ratio in huebnerite is at least 4 : 1; the Fe: Mn ratio in ferberite is at least 4 : 1; and all intermediate compositions are considered wolframite. In this respect the wolframite series differs from many others where only two names are given, one to each end of the series. While a complete isomorphous series exists between Mn2+ and Fe2+, there is no evidence to indicate that sanmartinite forms an isomorphous series with either huebnerite or ferberite.
Minerals of the wolframitegroup have very similar physical properties. They are all found in prismatic to tabular crystals that tend to be striated. The colors vary from yellowish and reddish brown to dark gray to...
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Reference
Palache, C.; Berman, H.; and Frondel, C., 1951. The System of Mineralogy, vol. 2. New York: Wiley, 1064–1073.
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© 1981 Hutchinson Ross Publishing Company
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White, J.S. (1981). Wolframite group . In: Mineralogy. Encyclopedia of Earth Science. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-30720-6_151
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-30720-6_151
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