Kyzylkumite is a rare vanadium titanium oxide mineral typically found in sedimentary deposits within the Kyzylkum Desert. It usually occurs as microscopic grains or small aggregates and requires mineralogical testing for positive identification due to its similarity to other dark oxide minerals.
Is this kyzylkumite?
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 kyzylkumite with a known reference. Kyzylkumite 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. Kyzylkumite leaves a brownish black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kyzylkumite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: fine-grained aggregates, minute crystals.
Often confused with
Kyzylkumite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kyzylkumite leaves brownish black, Rutile leaves pale brown to yellow; luster reads submetallic on Kyzylkumite and metallic to adamantine on Rutile.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kyzylkumite leaves brownish black, Manaccanite leaves black.
Often found alongside kyzylkumite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kyzylkumite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- V₂TiO₅
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.7-4.8 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish Black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Fine-grained Aggregates, Minute Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Rocks
- Typical price
- expensive (rare, research grade)
Where rockhounds find kyzylkumite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kyzylkum Desert, Uzbekistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary rocks country — that is the host setting where kyzylkumite typically forms. If you start seeing rutile, vanadium minerals, titanium minerals in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fine-grained aggregates, minute crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kyzylkumite?+
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How much is kyzylkumite worth?+
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Find kyzylkumite on the map
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