Ziminaite is a rare iron vanadate, typically yellowish brown. It occurs in fumarole sublimates on volcanic scoria. Associated minerals include koksharovite, bannermanite and quartz. It was first described from Bezymyannyi volcano, Kamchatka, Far-Eastern Region, Russia.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareZincite family

Ziminaite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this ziminaite?

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 ziminaite with a known reference. Ziminaite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ziminaite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ziminaite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellowish brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Zincite

Mohs 4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ziminaite leaves yellow, Zincite leaves orange-yellow; luster reads adamantine on Ziminaite and subadamantine to resinous on Zincite.

Compare →

Often found alongside ziminaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe³⁺(VO₄)
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 3.448 g/cm³
Colors: Yellowish Brown
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits

Where rockhounds find ziminaite

Classic worldwide localities

Zimina volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country, the host setting where ziminaite typically forms. If you start seeing gahnite, hematite, tenorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ziminaite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellowish brown.

Where is ziminaite found?+

Notable localities include Zimina volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Is ziminaite 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 ziminaite?+

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

What minerals are found with ziminaite?+

Ziminaite commonly co-occurs with gahnite, hematite, tenorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ziminaite form in?+

Ziminaite typically forms in fumarolic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ziminaite used for?+

Ziminaite is used in collector.

Find ziminaite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.