Vuorelainenite is a rare member of the spinel group, specifically a vanadium-rich manganese spinel. It is typically found in metamorphosed manganese-rich ore deposits and can be challenging to distinguish from other dark, metallic oxides without chemical analysis.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareSpinel Group family

Vuorelainenite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

Is this vuorelainenite?

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 vuorelainenite with a known reference. Vuorelainenite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vuorelainenite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vuorelainenite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Vuorelainenite leaves black, Hausmannite leaves brownish-red; luster reads metallic on Vuorelainenite and submetallic on Hausmannite.

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Often found alongside vuorelainenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: MnV₂O₄
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 4.67 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Manganese Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find vuorelainenite

Classic worldwide localities

Otjosondu, Namibia
Vittinki, Finland

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed manganese deposits country — that is the host setting where vuorelainenite typically forms. If you start seeing braunite, hausmannite, galaxite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify vuorelainenite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include black, brown.

Where is vuorelainenite found?+

Notable localities include Otjosondu, Namibia; Vittinki, Finland.

How much is vuorelainenite 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 vuorelainenite?+

Vuorelainenite is most often confused with Magnetite, Hausmannite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with vuorelainenite?+

Vuorelainenite commonly co-occurs with Braunite, Hausmannite, Galaxite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does vuorelainenite form in?+

Vuorelainenite typically forms in metamorphosed manganese deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vuorelainenite used for?+

Vuorelainenite is used in collector.

Find vuorelainenite on the map

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