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, so Joegoldsteinite leaves black, Vesuvianite leaves white; luster reads metallic on Joegoldsteinite and vitreous on Vesuvianite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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