Oxy-vanadium-dravite is a rare member of the tourmaline group, primarily distinguished by its vanadium-rich composition which influences its distinct brownish hues. It is typically found in metamorphic environments, often occurring as elongated prismatic crystals that exhibit the classic rounded triangular cross-section of the tourmaline family. Collectors should look for specimens from vanadium-bearing mineral deposits where it is often associated with other complex silicates.
Is this oxy-vanadium-dravite?
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 oxy-vanadium-dravite with a known reference. Oxy-vanadium-dravite sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Oxy-vanadium-dravite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Oxy-vanadium-dravite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, black, dark yellow-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections.
Often confused with
Oxy-vanadium-dravite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside oxy-vanadium-dravite
Minerals reported to co-occur with oxy-vanadium-dravite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(V³⁺₃)(Al₄Mg₂)Si₆O₁₈(BO₃)₃(OH)₃O
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 3.1-3.3 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals with Rounded Triangular Cross-sections
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on crystal size and clarity
Where rockhounds find oxy-vanadium-dravite
Classic worldwide localities
- Otjosondu, Namibia
- Sludyanka, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where oxy-vanadium-dravite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, biotite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify oxy-vanadium-dravite?+
Where is oxy-vanadium-dravite found?+
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What rocks look like oxy-vanadium-dravite?+
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Find oxy-vanadium-dravite on the map
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