Volborthite
A variety of Minerals
What is Volborthite?
Volborthite is a mineral containing copper and vanadium, with the formula Cu3V2O7(OH)2·2H2O. Found originally in 1838 in the Urals, it was first named knaufite but was later changed to volborthite for Alexander von Volborth (1800–1876), a Russian paleontologist. Tangeite (synonym: calciovolborthite), CaCuVO4(OH), is closely related.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Volborthite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Volborthite Localities Map
See where Volborthite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Volborthite
Volborthite was first described in 1837 for an occurrence in the Sofronovskii Mine, Yugovskii Zavod, Perm, Permskaya Oblast, Middle Urals, Russia. It occurs as an uncommon oxidation mineral in vanadium bearing hydrothermal copper ores. It is associated with brochantite, malachite, atacamite, tangeite, chrysocolla, baryte and gypsum.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Olive-green, yellow-green; green to yellow-green in transmitted light.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.52 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Cu3(V2O7)(OH)2 · 2H2O
- Elements
- Cu, H, O, V
Also Known As
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Volborthite FAQs
How do I identify Volborthite?
Volborthite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, Olive-green color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Volborthite?
Volborthite typically appears in Olive-green, yellow-green; green to yellow-green in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Volborthite?
Volborthite has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of volborthite of Volborthite?
Volborthite was first described in 1837 for an occurrence in the Sofronovskii Mine, Yugovskii Zavod, Perm, Permskaya Oblast, Middle Urals, Russia. It occurs as an uncommon oxidation mineral in vanadium bearing hydrothermal copper ores. It is associated with brochantite, malachite, atacamite, tangeite, chrysocolla, baryte and gypsum.
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