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, so 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, so 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, 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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