Orthominasragrite is an extremely rare secondary vanadium sulfate mineral found primarily in the oxidized zone of vanadium deposits. It typically forms as delicate, light-blue crystalline crusts or aggregates that are highly sensitive to humidity and dehydration.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareCopiapite Group family

Orthominasragrite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this orthominasragrite?

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 orthominasragrite with a known reference. Orthominasragrite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Orthominasragrite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Orthominasragrite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue, light blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: microcrystalline crusts, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside orthominasragrite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: VOSO₄·2H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.12 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Light Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Microcrystalline Crusts, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Vanadium Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per thumbnail specimen

Where rockhounds find orthominasragrite

Classic worldwide localities

Minasragra, Peru

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized vanadium deposits country, the host setting where orthominasragrite typically forms. If you start seeing pascoite, shoderite, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline crusts, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify orthominasragrite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, light blue.

Where is orthominasragrite found?+

Notable localities include Minasragra, Peru.

How much is orthominasragrite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per thumbnail specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is orthominasragrite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like orthominasragrite?+

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

What minerals are found with orthominasragrite?+

Orthominasragrite commonly co-occurs with Pascoite, Shoderite, Gypsum, Melanterite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does orthominasragrite form in?+

Orthominasragrite typically forms in oxidized vanadium deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is orthominasragrite used for?+

Orthominasragrite is used in collector.

Find orthominasragrite on the map

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