Kolovratite is a rare, amorphous zinc-nickel-copper vanadate that typically forms as earthy crusts or thin coatings on host rock. It is primarily identified by its characteristic yellowish to greenish-yellow color within oxidized vanadium-rich deposits. Due to its rarity and obscure nature, it is sought after primarily by advanced collectors of secondary vanadium minerals.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Kolovratite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Dull
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Opaque

Is this kolovratite?

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 kolovratite with a known reference. Kolovratite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kolovratite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kolovratite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: amorphous. Typical habit: crusts, reniform, earthy masses.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Kolovratite and pearly on Tyuyamunite.

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Often found alongside kolovratite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Zn,Ni,Cu)₃(VO₄)₂·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-green
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Amorphous
Crystal habit: Crusts, Reniform, Earthy Masses
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Oxidized Zone of Uranium-vanadium Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kolovratite

Classic worldwide localities

Ferghana Valley, Uzbekistan
Tyuya-Muyun, Kyrgyzstan

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary oxidized zone of uranium-vanadium deposits country — that is the host setting where kolovratite typically forms. If you start seeing tyuyamunite, vanadinite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, reniform, earthy masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kolovratite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-green.

Where is kolovratite found?+

Notable localities include Ferghana Valley, Uzbekistan; Tyuya-Muyun, Kyrgyzstan.

How much is kolovratite 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 kolovratite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains vanadium and heavy metals; avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like kolovratite?+

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

What minerals are found with kolovratite?+

Kolovratite commonly co-occurs with Tyuyamunite, Vanadinite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kolovratite form in?+

Kolovratite typically forms in sedimentary oxidized zone of uranium-vanadium deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kolovratite used for?+

Kolovratite is used in collector.

Find kolovratite on the map

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