Vismirnovite is an extremely rare zinc-tin hydroxide mineral typically found as small, vibrant yellow octahedral crystals in oxidized ore zones. It is most commonly identified in association with other tin-bearing minerals in hydrothermal environments.

Hardness

5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellowish-white

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareZinc-Stannate Group family

Vismirnovite

Hardness: 5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellowish-white
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this vismirnovite?

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 vismirnovite with a known reference. Vismirnovite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vismirnovite leaves a yellowish-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vismirnovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Mushistonite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Vismirnovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 5.5 vs. 3.5-4); streak differs, so Vismirnovite leaves yellowish-white, Mushistonite leaves pale greenish; luster reads vitreous on Vismirnovite and submetallic on Mushistonite.

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Often found alongside vismirnovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: ZnSn(OH)₆
Mohs hardness: 5.5
Density: 4.95 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Greenish-yellow
Streak: Yellowish-white
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Hydrothermal Tin Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find vismirnovite

Classic worldwide localities

Kazakhstan

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized hydrothermal tin deposits country, the host setting where vismirnovite typically forms. If you start seeing cassiterite, sphalerite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vismirnovite?+

Mohs hardness is 5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellowish-white. Common colors include yellow, greenish-yellow.

Where is vismirnovite found?+

Notable localities include Kazakhstan.

How much is vismirnovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like vismirnovite?+

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

What minerals are found with vismirnovite?+

Vismirnovite commonly co-occurs with Cassiterite, Sphalerite, Galena. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vismirnovite form in?+

Vismirnovite typically forms in oxidized hydrothermal tin deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vismirnovite used for?+

Vismirnovite is used in collector.

Find vismirnovite on the map

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