Chervetite is an exceptionally rare lead vanadate mineral that forms in the oxidized zones of lead-bearing ore deposits. It is best identified by its vibrant yellow color and distinct adamantine luster, typically found as small, thin crystals associated with other secondary lead minerals.
Is this chervetite?
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 chervetite with a known reference. Chervetite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: brown, colorless, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular, prismatic, or bladed crystals.
Often confused with
Chervetite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Chervetite and subresinous to subadamantine on Vanadinite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Chervetite leaves white, Descloizite leaves orange to brownish red; luster reads adamantine on Chervetite and greasy on Descloizite.
Often found alongside chervetite
Minerals reported to co-occur with chervetite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Pb₂V₂O₇
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 6.3-6.49 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular, prismatic, or bladed crystals
- Cleavage
- Indistinct on {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In the oxidized zone of a vanadium- and lead-bearing uranium deposit (Mounana mine, Gabon)
Where rockhounds find chervetite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mounana uranium mine, Franceville, Gabon
- Kusu deposit, 85 km south of Kinshasa, Bas-Zaire Province, Congo (Zaire)
- St. Andreasberg, Harz Mountains, Germany
- Found at Vrancice, near Pffbram, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In the oxidized zone of a vanadium- and lead-bearing uranium deposit (Mounana mine, Gabon). If you start seeing francevillite, wulfenite, mottramite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular, prismatic, or bladed crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify chervetite?+
Where is chervetite found?+
Is chervetite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like chervetite?+
What minerals are found with chervetite?+
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Find chervetite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
