Grigorievite is an extremely rare copper-iron vanadate mineral discovered in the volcanic fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically appears as black to dark brown metallic octahedral crystals embedded within volcanic scoria, often associated with other exotic secondary fumarolic minerals.

Hardness

5-6

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSpinels Group family

Grigorievite

Hardness: 5-6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this grigorievite?

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 grigorievite with a known reference. Grigorievite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Grigorievite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Grigorievite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, dark brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, massive.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Grigorievite leaves black, Chromite leaves dark brown; luster reads metallic on Grigorievite and submetallic on Chromite.

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Often found alongside grigorievite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CuFe₃(VO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 5-6
Density: 4.8-5.2 g/cm³
Colors: Black Dark Brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystals, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits in Volcanic Scoria
Typical price: $50-500 per specimen depending on size and crystal quality

Where rockhounds find grigorievite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano (Kamchatka, Russia)

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits in volcanic scoria country — that is the host setting where grigorievite typically forms. If you start seeing lanarkite, dolerophanite, tenorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify grigorievite?+

Mohs hardness is 5-6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, dark brown.

Where is grigorievite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano (Kamchatka, Russia).

How much is grigorievite worth?+

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

Is grigorievite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and vanadium, which are toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Handle with care and wash hands after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like grigorievite?+

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

What minerals are found with grigorievite?+

Grigorievite commonly co-occurs with Lanarkite, Dolerophanite, Tenorite, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does grigorievite form in?+

Grigorievite typically forms in fumarolic deposits in volcanic scoria. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is grigorievite used for?+

Grigorievite is used in collector.

Find grigorievite on the map

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