Minasragrite is a rare, water-soluble vanadium sulfate mineral typically found as bright blue crusts or tiny, powdery aggregates. It is primarily known from the type locality in the Minas Ragra vanadium mine in Peru, where it forms as a secondary alteration product of patronite.

Hardness

1-2

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Minasragrite

Hardness: 1-2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this minasragrite?

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 minasragrite with a known reference. Minasragrite 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. Minasragrite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Minasragrite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: microcrystalline crusts, globular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside minasragrite

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

Gypsum
mineral · Mohs 2

All properties

Chemical formula: VOSO₄·5H₂O
Mohs hardness: 1-2
Density: 2.21 g/cm³
Colors: Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Microcrystalline Crusts, Globular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Deposits in Carbonaceous Shales
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find minasragrite

Classic worldwide localities

Minas Ragra, Pasco Department, Peru

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary deposits in carbonaceous shales country — that is the host setting where minasragrite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, patronite, quisqueite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline crusts, globular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify minasragrite?+

Mohs hardness is 1-2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue.

Where is minasragrite found?+

Notable localities include Minas Ragra, Pasco Department, Peru.

How much is minasragrite 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 minasragrite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like minasragrite?+

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

What minerals are found with minasragrite?+

Minasragrite commonly co-occurs with Gypsum, Patronite, Quisqueite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does minasragrite form in?+

Minasragrite typically forms in sedimentary deposits in carbonaceous shales. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is minasragrite used for?+

Minasragrite is used in collector.

Find minasragrite on the map

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