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

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

No image

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. Vladkrivovichevite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vladkrivovichevite typically shows a adamantine luster.
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
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarole Deposits

Where rockhounds find vladkrivovichevite

Classic worldwide localities

Kombat mine, Grootfontein, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarole deposits country, the host setting where vladkrivovichevite typically forms. If you start seeing sylvite, halite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vladkrivovichevite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a adamantine luster. 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?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead, 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 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 sylvite, halite, anglesite, cotunnite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vladkrivovichevite form in?+

Vladkrivovichevite typically forms in fumarole deposits. 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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