Clinobisvanite is a rare bismuth vanadate mineral that typically forms as small, tabular yellow-to-orange crystals in oxidized bismuth ore deposits. It is best identified by its high density, adamantine luster, and association with other bismuth secondary minerals. Due to its scarcity and fragility, it is highly sought after by specialized systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Clinobisvanite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

Is this clinobisvanite?

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 clinobisvanite with a known reference. Clinobisvanite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Clinobisvanite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Clinobisvanite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, orange-yellow, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, platy, crusts.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Clinobisvanite leaves yellow, Vanadinite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Clinobisvanite and resinous on Vanadinite.

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Often found alongside clinobisvanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BiVO₄
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 6.9-7.0 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Orange-yellow Reddish-brown
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Platy, Crusts
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Bismuth-bearing Hydrothermal Veins
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality

Where rockhounds find clinobisvanite

Classic worldwide localities

Schneeberg, Germany
Goldfield, Nevada, USA
Miaogou, China
Tsumeb, Namibia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized bismuth-bearing hydrothermal veins country — that is the host setting where clinobisvanite typically forms. If you start seeing bismutite, bismutheite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, platy, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify clinobisvanite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, orange-yellow, reddish-brown.

Where is clinobisvanite found?+

Notable localities include Schneeberg, Germany; Goldfield, Nevada, USA; Miaogou, China; Tsumeb, Namibia.

How much is clinobisvanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is clinobisvanite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Clinobisvanite contains bismuth and vanadium. Avoid ingestion and inhalation of dust during processing; wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like clinobisvanite?+

Clinobisvanite is most often confused with Pucherite, Vanadinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with clinobisvanite?+

Clinobisvanite commonly co-occurs with Bismutite, Bismutheite, Quartz, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does clinobisvanite form in?+

Clinobisvanite typically forms in oxidized bismuth-bearing hydrothermal veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is clinobisvanite used for?+

Clinobisvanite is used in collector.

Find clinobisvanite on the map

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