Belomarinaite is a rare potassium-sodium sulfate mineral typically found as a volcanic sublimate in fumaroles. It most commonly appears as small, colorless to white tabular crystals or thin crusts associated with other high-temperature volcanic minerals. It is highly soluble in water and requires careful storage in a humidity-controlled environment.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Belomarinaite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this belomarinaite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside belomarinaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaKSO₄
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.63 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Or Efflorescences
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Fumaroles
Typical price: $50-300+ depending on matrix quality

Where rockhounds find belomarinaite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic fumaroles country, the host setting where belomarinaite typically forms. If you start seeing aphthitalite, thenardite, sylvite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, or efflorescences habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify belomarinaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is belomarinaite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

How much is belomarinaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300+ depending on matrix quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like belomarinaite?+

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

What minerals are found with belomarinaite?+

Belomarinaite commonly co-occurs with Aphthitalite, Thenardite, Sylvite, Halite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does belomarinaite form in?+

Belomarinaite typically forms in volcanic fumaroles. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is belomarinaite used for?+

Belomarinaite is used in collector.

Find belomarinaite on the map

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