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.
Is this clinobisvanite?
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 clinobisvanite with a known reference. Clinobisvanite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: earthy to subvitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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: Luster reads earthy to subvitreous on Clinobisvanite and vitreous to adamantine on Pucherite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Clinobisvanite leaves yellow, Vanadinite leaves white to pale red or pale yellow; luster reads earthy to subvitreous on Clinobisvanite and subresinous to subadamantine on Vanadinite.
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
- 6.95 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Earthy to subvitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent in thin flakes
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, platy, crusts
- Cleavage
- On {010}, perfect
- Rarity
- Uncommon
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- An accessory mineral in pegmatites, as an oxidization product of other bismuth minerals
Where rockhounds find clinobisvanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Jensen quarry, Riverside Co., USA
- Lodi #4 mine, Spring Creek district, Plumas Co., and from the White Queen and Elizabeth “R” mines, Pala, San Diego Co., California, USA
- Comstock mine, Dos Cabezas Mountains, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA
- Linka mine, Spencer Hot Springs district, Lander Co., about 30 km northwest of Potts, Nevada, USA
- Western Australia, from five km south of Pyramid Hill, Yinnietharra Station
- Londonderry quarry, 19 km south of Coolgardie
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: An accessory mineral in pegmatites, as an oxidization product of other bismuth minerals. If you start seeing pucherite, bismite, bismutite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, platy, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify clinobisvanite?+
Where is clinobisvanite found?+
Is clinobisvanite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like clinobisvanite?+
What minerals are found with clinobisvanite?+
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Find clinobisvanite on the map
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