Springcreekite is a rare barium vanadium phosphate, typically pitch-black. It occurs in a small vein deposit formerly mined for Cu. It was first described from Spring Creek mine, near Wilmington, southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Semi-metallic

Streak

Brownish black

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarePlumbogummite Group family

Springcreekite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Semi-metallic
Streak: Brownish black
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this springcreekite?

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 springcreekite with a known reference. Springcreekite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: brownish black.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: semi-metallic.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: pseudo cubic, rhombohedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Gorceixite

Mohs 6

How to tell apart: Gorceixite is the harder of the two (Mohs 6 vs. 4-5); streak differs, so Springcreekite leaves brownish black, Gorceixite leaves white; luster reads semi-metallic on Springcreekite and vitreous on Gorceixite.

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Often found alongside springcreekite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: BaV³⁺₃(PO₄)(PO₃OH)(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 4-5
Density: 3.48 g/cm³
Colors: Black
Streak: Brownish black
Luster: Semi-metallic
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Pseudo cubic, rhombohedral crystals
Cleavage: Poor on {101̄2}, or a parting
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: In a small vein deposit formerly mined for Cu

Where rockhounds find springcreekite

Classic worldwide localities

Spring Creek mine, near Wilmington, southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: In a small vein deposit formerly mined for Cu. If you start seeing quartz, copper, cuprite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: pseudo cubic, rhombohedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify springcreekite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. Luster: semi-metallic. The streak is brownish black. Common colors include black.

Where is springcreekite found?+

Notable localities include Spring Creek mine, near Wilmington, southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia (type locality).

Is springcreekite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like springcreekite?+

Springcreekite is most often confused with Gorceixite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with springcreekite?+

Springcreekite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Copper, Cuprite, Goethite, Whitlockite, Mitridatite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does springcreekite form in?+

Where it forms: In a small vein deposit formerly mined for Cu. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is springcreekite used for?+

Springcreekite is used in collector.

Find springcreekite on the map

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