Joegoldsteinite is a rare manganese vanadium sulfide belonging to the spinel group. It typically occurs as small, metallic-appearing octahedral crystals within hydrothermal vein systems associated with metamorphic formations.
Is this joegoldsteinite?
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 joegoldsteinite with a known reference. Joegoldsteinite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Joegoldsteinite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Joegoldsteinite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral.
Often confused with
Joegoldsteinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Joegoldsteinite leaves black, Vesuvianite leaves white; luster reads metallic on Joegoldsteinite and vitreous on Vesuvianite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Joegoldsteinite leaves black, Chromite leaves dark brown; luster reads metallic on Joegoldsteinite and submetallic on Chromite.
Often found alongside joegoldsteinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with joegoldsteinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MnV₂S₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 5.65 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $200-800 per specimen
Where rockhounds find joegoldsteinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kozhym River, Polar Urals, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where joegoldsteinite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find joegoldsteinite on the map
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