Schreyerite is an extremely rare vanadium-titanium oxide mineral typically found as small, black, opaque grains within metamorphic gneisses. It was first described from the Mutuca mine in Kenya and remains a highly sought-after specimen for advanced mineral collectors due to its unique vanadium chemistry.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Submetallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrare

Schreyerite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Submetallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this schreyerite?

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 schreyerite with a known reference. Schreyerite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Schreyerite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Schreyerite typically shows a submetallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brownish-black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Schreyerite leaves black, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads submetallic on Schreyerite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.

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Often found alongside schreyerite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: V₂Ti₃O₉
Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 4.8-4.9 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brownish-black
Streak: Black
Luster: Submetallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Metamorphic Rocks, Specifically Vanadium-rich Graphite Gneisses
Typical price: $50-300+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find schreyerite

Classic worldwide localities

Kenya
Russia
Czech Republic

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic rocks, specifically vanadium-rich graphite gneisses country — that is the host setting where schreyerite typically forms. If you start seeing karelianite, rutile, vesuvianite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify schreyerite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a submetallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, brownish-black.

Where is schreyerite found?+

Notable localities include Kenya; Russia; Czech Republic.

How much is schreyerite 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.

What rocks look like schreyerite?+

Schreyerite is most often confused with Manaccanite, Iron Ore. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with schreyerite?+

Schreyerite commonly co-occurs with Karelianite, Rutile, Vesuvianite, Graphite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does schreyerite form in?+

Schreyerite typically forms in metamorphic rocks, specifically vanadium-rich graphite gneisses. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is schreyerite used for?+

Schreyerite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find schreyerite on the map

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