Joegoldsteinite is a rare manganese vanadium sulfide belonging to the spinel group. It typically occurs as small, metallic-appearing octahedral crystals within hydrothermal vein systems associated with metamorphic formations.
Is this joegoldsteinite?
2-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch joegoldsteinite with a known reference. Joegoldsteinite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral.
Often confused with
Joegoldsteinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside joegoldsteinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with joegoldsteinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MnCr₂S₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.71 g/cm³
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a CV3 carbonaceous chondrite and an iron meteorite
Where rockhounds find joegoldsteinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kozhym River, Polar Urals, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a CV3 carbonaceous chondrite and an iron meteorite. If you start seeing daubréelite, chromite, troilite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: octahedral. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify joegoldsteinite?+
Where is joegoldsteinite found?+
What rocks look like joegoldsteinite?+
What minerals are found with joegoldsteinite?+
What kind of rock does joegoldsteinite form in?+
What is joegoldsteinite used for?+
Find joegoldsteinite on the map
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