Yushkinite is a rare vanadium-rich sulfide-hydroxide mineral that typically forms as soft, flexible, mica-like flakes. It was first described from the Pay-Khoy region in Russia and is highly prized by mineralogists for its unique composition and structural relationship to the valleriite group.

Hardness

1-2

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Black

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareValleriite Group family

Yushkinite

Hardness: 1-2
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Black
Transparency: Opaque

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Is this yushkinite?

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 yushkinite with a known reference. Yushkinite sits at Mohs 1-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Yushkinite leaves a black streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Yushkinite typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: violet, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: lamellar or micaceous flakes.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Yushkinite leaves black, Molybdenite leaves greenish-gray.

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Often found alongside yushkinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: V₁₋ₓS(Mg,Al)(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 1-2
Density: 3.36 g/cm³
Colors: Violet Black
Streak: Black
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Lamellar or Micaceous Flakes
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Sedimentary Rocks, Specifically Black Shales
Typical price: n/a

Where rockhounds find yushkinite

Classic worldwide localities

Izhma River, Timan Ridge, Komi Republic, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary rocks, specifically black shales country — that is the host setting where yushkinite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a lamellar or micaceous flakes habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify yushkinite?+

Mohs hardness is 1-2. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is black. Common colors include violet, black.

Where is yushkinite found?+

Notable localities include Izhma River, Timan Ridge, Komi Republic, Russia.

How much is yushkinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of n/a. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like yushkinite?+

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

What minerals are found with yushkinite?+

Yushkinite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Dolomite, Quartz, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does yushkinite form in?+

Yushkinite typically forms in sedimentary rocks, specifically black shales. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is yushkinite used for?+

Yushkinite is used in collector.

Find yushkinite on the map

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