Springcreekite is a rare barium vanadium phosphate, typically pitch-black. It occurs in a small vein deposit formerly mined for Cu. It was first described from Spring Creek mine, near Wilmington, southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Brownish Black

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarePlumbogummite Group family

Springcreekite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Brownish Black
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this springcreekite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch springcreekite with a known reference. Springcreekite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Springcreekite leaves a brownish black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Springcreekite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pitch-black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: crusts and minute crystals.

Often confused with

Springcreekite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Gorceixite

Mohs 4.5-5.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Springcreekite leaves brownish black, Gorceixite leaves white; luster reads metallic on Springcreekite and vitreous on Gorceixite.

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Often found alongside springcreekite

Minerals reported to co-occur with springcreekite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: BaV³⁺₃(PO₄)(PO₃OH)(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 3.48 g/cm³
Colors: Pitch-black
Streak: Brownish Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Crusts and Minute Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Weathered Phosphate Deposits

Where rockhounds find springcreekite

Classic worldwide localities

Spring Creek, Queensland, Australia

Field-hunting tip

Look in weathered phosphate deposits country, the host setting where springcreekite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, goethite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts and minute crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify springcreekite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is brownish black. Common colors include pitch-black.

Where is springcreekite found?+

Notable localities include Spring Creek, Queensland, Australia.

Is springcreekite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains vanadium, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like springcreekite?+

Springcreekite is most often confused with Gorceixite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with springcreekite?+

Springcreekite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Goethite, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does springcreekite form in?+

Springcreekite typically forms in weathered phosphate deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is springcreekite used for?+

Springcreekite is used in collector.

Find springcreekite on the map

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