Lenoblite is a rare hydrated vanadium oxide often found as thin, soft crusts or powdery coatings in oxidized uranium-vanadium deposits. It is best identified by its distinct blue color, though it is typically too fragile and small for anything other than micromount collecting.

Hardness

1-2

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

Light Blue

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Lenoblite

Hardness: 1-2
Luster: Dull
Streak: Light Blue
Transparency: Opaque

Is this lenoblite?

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 lenoblite with a known reference. Lenoblite sits at Mohs 1-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lenoblite leaves a light blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lenoblite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, blue-gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: crusts, powder, aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Navajoite

Mohs 1.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Lenoblite leaves light blue, Navajoite leaves yellowish-brown.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Lenoblite leaves light blue, Corvusite leaves black.

Compare →

Often found alongside lenoblite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: V₂O₄·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 1-2
Density: 3.8 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Blue-gray
Streak: Light Blue
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Crusts, Powder, Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Uranium-vanadium Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find lenoblite

Classic worldwide localities

Urushten River, Caucasus Mountains, Russia
San Rafael Swell, Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary uranium-vanadium deposits country — that is the host setting where lenoblite typically forms. If you start seeing montroseite, paramontroseite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, powder, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lenoblite?+

Mohs hardness is 1-2. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is light blue. Common colors include blue, blue-gray.

Where is lenoblite found?+

Notable localities include Urushten River, Caucasus Mountains, Russia; San Rafael Swell, Utah, USA.

How much is lenoblite 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 lenoblite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains vanadium, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like lenoblite?+

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

What minerals are found with lenoblite?+

Lenoblite commonly co-occurs with Montroseite, Paramontroseite, Gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lenoblite form in?+

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

What is lenoblite used for?+

Lenoblite is used in collector.

Find lenoblite on the map

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