diff --git a/python/damask/_geom.py b/python/damask/_geom.py
index 0f1c35e42..de0b04c79 100644
--- a/python/damask/_geom.py
+++ b/python/damask/_geom.py
@@ -358,7 +358,7 @@ class Geom:
         """
         g = VTK.from_file(fname).geom
         N_cells = g.GetNumberOfCells()
-        microstructure = np.zeros(N_cells)
+        microstructure = np.zeros(N_cells,'i')
         grid = np.array(g.GetDimensions())-1
         bbox = np.array(g.GetBounds()).reshape(3,2).T
         size = bbox[1] - bbox[0]
diff --git a/python/tests/test_Geom.py b/python/tests/test_Geom.py
index 4fb1ae00a..60a4f4fef 100644
--- a/python/tests/test_Geom.py
+++ b/python/tests/test_Geom.py
@@ -1,3 +1,6 @@
+import os
+import time
+
 import pytest
 import numpy as np
 
@@ -65,8 +68,14 @@ class TestGeom:
             new = Geom.from_file(f)
         assert geom_equal(new,default)
 
-    def test_export_vtk(self,default,tmpdir):
+    def test_read_write_vtk(self,default,tmpdir):
         default.to_vtk(str(tmpdir.join('default')))
+        for _ in range(3):
+            if os.path.exists(tmpdir.join('default.vtr')): break
+            time.sleep(1)
+        new = Geom.from_vtk(str(tmpdir.join('default.vtr')))
+        assert geom_equal(new,default)
+
 
     @pytest.mark.parametrize('pack',[True,False])
     def test_pack(self,default,tmpdir,pack):