Mapiquiroite is a rare member of the crichtonite group characterized by its strontium and vanadium-rich composition. It typically occurs as small, dark, tabular metallic crystals found in hydrothermal veins. Because it is a rare mineral species from a limited number of localities, it is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors.
Is this mapiquiroite?
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 mapiquiroite with a known reference. Mapiquiroite sits at Mohs ~6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Mapiquiroite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Mapiquiroite is noticeably harder (Mohs ~6 vs. 4.5-5); streak differs, so Mapiquiroite leaves black, Crichtonite leaves dark gray; luster reads submetallic on Mapiquiroite and metallic, dull to bright on Crichtonite.
How to tell apart: Lindsleyite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5 vs. ~6); streak differs, so Mapiquiroite leaves black, Lindsleyite leaves gray; luster reads submetallic on Mapiquiroite and metallic on Lindsleyite.
How to tell apart: Mathiasite is the harder of the two (Mohs 7.5 vs. ~6); streak differs, so Mapiquiroite leaves black, Mathiasite leaves gray; luster reads submetallic on Mapiquiroite and metallic on Mathiasite.
Often found alongside mapiquiroite
Minerals reported to co-occur with mapiquiroite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Sr,Pb)(U,Y)Fe₂(Ti,Fe³⁺)₁₈O₃₈
- Mohs hardness
- ~6
- Density
- 4.483 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In hydrothermal veins cutting schist and dolostone
Where rockhounds find mapiquiroite
Classic worldwide localities
- Buca della Vena and Monte Arsiccio mines, Apuan Alps, Tuscany, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In hydrothermal veins cutting schist and dolostone. If you start seeing derbylite, sphalerite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Is mapiquiroite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like mapiquiroite?+
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Find mapiquiroite on the map
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