Colinowensite is a rare copper sulfate chloride mineral discovered in the volcanic fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically appears as small, transparent yellow tabular crystals associated with other copper-bearing volcanic minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Colinowensite

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

Is this colinowensite?

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 colinowensite with a known reference. Colinowensite 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. Colinowensite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Colinowensite 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: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Fedotovite

Mohs 2-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Colinowensite leaves yellow, Fedotovite leaves greenish-white.

Compare →

Often found alongside colinowensite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: KCu₃(SO₄)₂Cl
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarole Deposits of Volcanic Vents
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find colinowensite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarole deposits of volcanic vents country, the host setting where colinowensite typically forms. If you start seeing fedotovite, kamchatkite, tenorite 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 colinowensite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is colinowensite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

How much is colinowensite 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 colinowensite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and chlorine; avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like colinowensite?+

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

What minerals are found with colinowensite?+

Colinowensite commonly co-occurs with Fedotovite, Kamchatkite, Tenorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does colinowensite form in?+

Colinowensite typically forms in fumarole deposits of volcanic vents. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is colinowensite used for?+

Colinowensite is used in collector.

Find colinowensite on the map

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