Vladkrivovichevite is a rare lead manganese borate that forms grains. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2011. It was first described from Kombat mine, Grootfontein, Namibia.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent to translucent

mineralrare

Vladkrivovichevite

Vladkrivovichevite is a rare lead manganese borate that forms grains. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2011. It was first described from Kombat mine, Grootfontein, Namibia.

Hardness: 2
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent to translucent

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Is this vladkrivovichevite?

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 vladkrivovichevite with a known reference. Vladkrivovichevite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale greenish yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: grains.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Krivovichevite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3 vs. 2); luster reads adamantine on Vladkrivovichevite and vitreous on Krivovichevite.

How to tell apart: Laurionite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 2).

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Often found alongside vladkrivovichevite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: [Pb₃₂O₁₈][Pb₄Mn₂O]Cl₁₄(BO₃)₈·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 7.40 g/cm³
Colors: Pale greenish yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Most likely a late-stage, low-temperature hydrothermal (epigenetic) reworking of primary Pb-Cu-Zn-Ag sulfides

Where rockhounds find vladkrivovichevite

Classic worldwide localities

Kombat mine, Grootfontein, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Most likely a late-stage, low-temperature hydrothermal (epigenetic) reworking of primary Pb-Cu-Zn-Ag sulfides. If you start seeing hereroite, asisite, damaraite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: grains. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vladkrivovichevite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. Luster: adamantine. The streak is white. Common colors include pale greenish yellow.

Where is vladkrivovichevite found?+

Notable localities include Kombat mine, Grootfontein, Namibia.

Is vladkrivovichevite safe to handle?+

Vladkrivovichevite contains lead. Contains lead, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

What rocks look like vladkrivovichevite?+

Vladkrivovichevite is most often confused with Krivovichevite, Laurionite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with vladkrivovichevite?+

Vladkrivovichevite commonly co-occurs with Hereroite, Asisite, Damaraite, Kombatite, Sahlinite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vladkrivovichevite form in?+

Where it forms: Most likely a late-stage, low-temperature hydrothermal (epigenetic) reworking of primary Pb-Cu-Zn-Ag sulfides. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vladkrivovichevite used for?+

Vladkrivovichevite is used in collector.

Find vladkrivovichevite on the map

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