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, so 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, 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.