Ziminaite is a rare iron vanadate, typically yellowish brown. It occurs in fumarole sublimates on volcanic scoria. Associated minerals include koksharovite, bannermanite and quartz. It was first described from Bezymyannyi volcano, Kamchatka, Far-Eastern Region, Russia.

Hardness

~4.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareZincite family

Ziminaite

Hardness: ~4.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this ziminaite?

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 ziminaite with a known reference. Ziminaite sits at Mohs ~4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellowish brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Zincite

Mohs 4

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Ziminaite leaves yellow, Zincite leaves yellow-orange; luster reads adamantine on Ziminaite and subadamantine to resinous on Zincite.

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Often found alongside ziminaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Fe³⁺(VO₄)
Mohs hardness: ~4.5
Density: 3.448 g/cm³
Colors: Yellowish brown
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Massive, granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: As fumarole sublimates on volcanic scoria

Where rockhounds find ziminaite

Classic worldwide localities

Bezymyannyi volcano, Kamchatka, Far-Eastern Region, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: As fumarole sublimates on volcanic scoria. If you start seeing koksharovite, bannermanite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: massive, granular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ziminaite?+

Mohs hardness is ~4.5. Luster: adamantine. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellowish brown.

Where is ziminaite found?+

Notable localities include Bezymyannyi volcano, Kamchatka, Far-Eastern Region, Russia.

Is ziminaite safe to handle?+

Ziminaite contains vanadium. Contains vanadium, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

What rocks look like ziminaite?+

Ziminaite is most often confused with Zincite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with ziminaite?+

Ziminaite commonly co-occurs with Koksharovite, Bannermanite, Quartz, Biotite, Ti-V-bearing magnetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ziminaite form in?+

Where it forms: As fumarole sublimates on volcanic scoria. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is ziminaite used for?+

Ziminaite is used in collector.

Find ziminaite on the map

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