Colimaite is an extremely rare potassium vanadium sulfide mineral discovered in the fumarolic deposits of the Colima Volcano. It typically appears as dark, metallic microcrystalline coatings or crusts associated with volcanic sulfur deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Colimaite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this colimaite?

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 colimaite with a known reference. Colimaite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Colimaite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Colimaite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark gray, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Sulvanite

Mohs 3.5

How to tell apart: Sulvanite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2).

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Often found alongside colimaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₃VS₄
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 5.7 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Gray Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Microcrystalline Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Fumaroles
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find colimaite

Classic worldwide localities

Colima Volcano, Mexico

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic fumaroles country — that is the host setting where colimaite typically forms. If you start seeing sulfur, gypsum, vanadium oxides in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify colimaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include dark gray, black.

Where is colimaite found?+

Notable localities include Colima Volcano, Mexico.

How much is colimaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is colimaite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains vanadium and sulfur. Avoid inhaling dust or powder during handling; wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like colimaite?+

Colimaite is most often confused with Sulvanite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with colimaite?+

Colimaite commonly co-occurs with Sulfur, Gypsum, Vanadium oxides. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does colimaite form in?+

Colimaite typically forms in volcanic fumaroles. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is colimaite used for?+

Colimaite is used in collector.

Find colimaite on the map

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