Belakovskiite is a rare sulfate-selenate mineral discovered in the oxidized zones of burning coal dumps in the Chelyabinsk coal basin of Russia. It typically occurs as small, delicate, pale yellow tabular crystals formed by complex chemical reactions in anthropogenic settings. Due to its extreme rarity and specific formation conditions, it is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Belakovskiite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this belakovskiite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside belakovskiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Ca(SO₄)(SeO₄)·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.88 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Oxidized Zones of Coal Mine Fires
Typical price: $100-500+ per specimen

Where rockhounds find belakovskiite

Classic worldwide localities

Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in oxidized zones of coal mine fires country — that is the host setting where belakovskiite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, jarosite, halite 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 belakovskiite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, pale yellow.

Where is belakovskiite found?+

Notable localities include Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia.

How much is belakovskiite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is belakovskiite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains selenium, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like belakovskiite?+

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

What minerals are found with belakovskiite?+

Belakovskiite commonly co-occurs with Gypsum, Jarosite, Halite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does belakovskiite form in?+

Belakovskiite typically forms in oxidized zones of coal mine fires. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is belakovskiite used for?+

Belakovskiite is used in collector.

Find belakovskiite on the map

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