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.
Is this yushkinite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch yushkinite with a known reference. Yushkinite sits at Mohs 1-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Yushkinite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Yushkinite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: violet, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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.
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
- 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
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, 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?+
Where is yushkinite found?+
What rocks look like yushkinite?+
What minerals are found with yushkinite?+
What kind of rock does yushkinite form in?+
What is yushkinite used for?+
Find yushkinite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
