Ankinovichite is a rare hydrated nickel-zinc vanadate found primarily in specific vanadium-bearing sedimentary deposits. It typically forms thin, yellowish, pearly crusts or fragile platy crystal aggregates in association with other rare vanadium species.
Is this ankinovichite?
5-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 ankinovichite with a known reference. Ankinovichite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ankinovichite leaves a yellowish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ankinovichite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellow-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts, or aggregates.
Often confused with
Ankinovichite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ankinovichite leaves yellowish, Volborthite leaves yellowish-green; luster reads pearly on Ankinovichite and vitreous on Volborthite.
How to tell apart: Ankinovichite is noticeably harder (Mohs 2-3 vs. approx 1); streak differs — Ankinovichite leaves yellowish, Hewettite leaves brownish red.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Ni,Zn)₃(V₄O₁₂)·12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 2.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Crusts, Or Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Vanadium-bearing Black Shales
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find ankinovichite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kurumsak, Kazakhstan
- Balasauskandyk, Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Look in vanadium-bearing black shales country — that is the host setting where ankinovichite typically forms. If you start seeing vanadium minerals, clay minerals in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts, or aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find ankinovichite on the map
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