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

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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 — 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 — that is 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.