Turanite is a rare copper vanadium hydroxide typically found as earthy, botryoidal crusts or radial aggregates in the oxidized zones of ore deposits. It is best identified by its distinct pistachio-green color and its association with other secondary copper minerals in vanadium-rich geological environments.
Is this turanite?
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 turanite with a known reference. Turanite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellowish-green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: dull.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: olive green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: botryoidal, crusts, radial aggregates.
Often confused with
Turanite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Turanite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5); streak differs, so Turanite leaves yellowish-green, Volborthite leaves light green; luster reads dull on Turanite and vitreous, oily, resinous, waxy, pearly on the cleavage on Volborthite.
How to tell apart: Turanite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5 vs. 3.5); streak differs, so Turanite leaves yellowish-green, Vauxite leaves white; luster reads dull on Turanite and vitreous on Vauxite.
Often found alongside turanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with turanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₅(VO₄)₂(OH)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 4.898 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-green
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Botryoidal, crusts, radial aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare secondary oxidation mineral in vanadium-bearing mineral deposits
Where rockhounds find turanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tyuya-Muyun Cave, Fergana Valley, Alai Range, Kyrgyzstan
- Van-Nav-San claim, Gibellini district and Gold Quarry mine, Maggie Creek district, Nevada, USA
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare secondary oxidation mineral in vanadium-bearing mineral deposits. If you start seeing tangeite, uranovanadates, malachite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: botryoidal, crusts, radial aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find turanite on the map
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