Aiolosite is a rare vanadyl sulfate mineral discovered in the volcanic fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically appears as distinct, bright yellow tabular crystals associated with other unusual volcanic minerals.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Aiolosite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

Is this aiolosite?

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 aiolosite with a known reference. Aiolosite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Aiolosite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Aiolosite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Vanadinite

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Aiolosite leaves yellow, Vanadinite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Aiolosite and resinous on Vanadinite.

Compare →

Often found alongside aiolosite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Na(V⁶⁺O₂)₂(SO₄)₂F
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.24 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price: expensive collector mineral

Where rockhounds find aiolosite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country — that is the host setting where aiolosite typically forms. If you start seeing piypite, euchlorine, doloresite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify aiolosite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is aiolosite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

How much is aiolosite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of expensive collector mineral. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like aiolosite?+

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

What minerals are found with aiolosite?+

Aiolosite commonly co-occurs with Piypite, Euchlorine, Doloresite, Tenorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does aiolosite form in?+

Aiolosite typically forms in fumarolic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is aiolosite used for?+

Aiolosite is used in collector.

Find aiolosite on the map

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