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 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chervetite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Chervetite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
- 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: Streak differs — Chervetite leaves yellow, Vanadinite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Chervetite and resinous on Vanadinite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Chervetite leaves yellow, Descloizite leaves orange to brownish-red; luster reads adamantine on Chervetite and greasy to adamantine 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
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.65 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular, Prismatic, Or Bladed Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Oxidized Lead-vanadium Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality
Where rockhounds find chervetite
Classic worldwide localities
- M'Fouati, Republic of the Congo
- Laurium, Greece
Field-hunting tip
Look in oxidized lead-vanadium deposits country — that is the host setting where chervetite typically forms. If you start seeing vanadinite, descloizite, cerussite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular, prismatic, or bladed crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find chervetite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
