Molinelloite is a rare copper vanadium hydroxide. It was approved as a distinct mineral species in 2016. It was first described from Molinello mine, Ne, Val Graveglia, Genova district, Liguria, Italy.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Molinelloite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent

Is this molinelloite?

4-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 molinelloite with a known reference. Molinelloite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, deep blue.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: acicular or prismatic crystals, commonly in radial sprays.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Molinelloite and silky on Shattuckite.

Compare →

Often found alongside molinelloite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu(H₂O)(OH)V⁴⁺O(V⁵⁺O₄)
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.51 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Deep blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular or prismatic crystals, commonly in radial sprays
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: manganese-rich cherts and metamorphic rocks

Where rockhounds find molinelloite

Classic worldwide localities

Molinello mine, Ne, Val Graveglia, Genova district, Liguria, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: manganese-rich cherts and metamorphic rocks. If you start seeing braunite, quartz, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular or prismatic crystals, commonly in radial sprays. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify molinelloite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. Luster: vitreous. Common colors include blue, deep blue.

Where is molinelloite found?+

Notable localities include Molinello mine, Ne, Val Graveglia, Genova district, Liguria, Italy.

Is molinelloite safe to handle?+

Molinelloite contains copper and vanadium. Contains copper and vanadium, which are toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

What rocks look like molinelloite?+

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

What minerals are found with molinelloite?+

Molinelloite commonly co-occurs with Braunite, Quartz, Calcite, Rhodochrosite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does molinelloite form in?+

Where it forms: manganese-rich cherts and metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is molinelloite used for?+

Molinelloite is used in collector.

Find molinelloite on the map

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