Axelite is a rare sodium copper arsenate. It is a sublimate in active volcanic fumaroles. It was first described from the Arsenatnaya fumarole, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Hardness

4.5-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareApophyllite Group family

Axelite

Axelite is a rare sodium copper arsenate. It is a sublimate in active volcanic fumaroles. It was first described from the Arsenatnaya fumarole, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Hardness: 4.5-5
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this axelite?

4-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 axelite with a known reference. Axelite sits at Mohs 4.5-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pink, yellow.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside axelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₁₄Cu₇(AsO₄)₈F₂Cl₂
Mohs hardness: 4.5-5
Density: 2.3-2.5 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pink Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A sublimate in active volcanic fumaroles

Where rockhounds find axelite

Classic worldwide localities

Arsenatnaya fumarole, Second scoria cone, Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A sublimate in active volcanic fumaroles. If you start seeing zeolites, calcite, prehnite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify axelite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5-5. Luster: vitreous. Common colors include white, colorless, pink, yellow.

Where is axelite found?+

Notable localities include Arsenatnaya fumarole, Second scoria cone, Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Is axelite safe to handle?+

Axelite contains arsenic and copper and calls for real care. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust.

What rocks look like axelite?+

Axelite is most often confused with Apophyllite, Stilbite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with axelite?+

Axelite commonly co-occurs with Zeolites, Calcite, Prehnite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does axelite form in?+

Where it forms: A sublimate in active volcanic fumaroles. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is axelite used for?+

Axelite is used in collector.

Find axelite on the map

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