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 7.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellowish brownish green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: resinous.
- 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.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Oxy-vanadium-dravite leaves yellowish brownish green, Dravite leaves light brown, white; luster reads resinous on Oxy-vanadium-dravite and vitreous to resinous on Dravite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Oxy-vanadium-dravite leaves yellowish brownish green, Schorl leaves white; luster reads resinous on Oxy-vanadium-dravite and vitreous to resinous on Schorl.
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
- NaV₃(V₄Mg₂)(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃O
- Mohs hardness
- 7.5
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish brownish green
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- In Cr-V-bearing calcite-quartz-diopside metamorphic rocks (granulite facies)
Where rockhounds find oxy-vanadium-dravite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sludyanka complex, Southern Lake Baikal region, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In Cr-V-bearing calcite-quartz-diopside metamorphic rocks (granulite facies). If you start seeing quartz, calcite, cr-v-bearing diopside in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic crystals with rounded triangular cross-sections. 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?+
What minerals are found with oxy-vanadium-dravite?+
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Find oxy-vanadium-dravite on the map
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