Bubnovaite is a rare potassium-sodium-calcium sulfate mineral first discovered in the volcanic fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano. It typically forms thin, transparent platy crystals in high-temperature volcanic gas environments. Due to its extreme rarity and specific occurrence, it is primarily found in specialized mineral research collections.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Bubnovaite

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

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Is this bubnovaite?

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 bubnovaite with a known reference. Bubnovaite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bubnovaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Bubnovaite 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: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside bubnovaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂Na₈Ca(SO₄)₆
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.83 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price: expensive cabinet specimen

Where rockhounds find bubnovaite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country, the host setting where bubnovaite typically forms. If you start seeing tolbachite, tenorite, sylvite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify bubnovaite?+

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

Where is bubnovaite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

How much is bubnovaite worth?+

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

What rocks look like bubnovaite?+

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

What minerals are found with bubnovaite?+

Bubnovaite commonly co-occurs with Tolbachite, Tenorite, Sylvite, Halite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does bubnovaite form in?+

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

What is bubnovaite used for?+

Bubnovaite is used in collector.

Find bubnovaite on the map

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