Dmisokolovite is an extremely rare copper-aluminum arsenate mineral first discovered in the volcanic fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically appears as small, bright emerald-green to light green, tabular crystals associated with other rare secondary volcanic minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light green

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Dmisokolovite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light green
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this dmisokolovite?

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 dmisokolovite with a known reference. Dmisokolovite 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. Streak: light green.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: bright emerald-green, sometimes with a bluish hue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside dmisokolovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₃Cu₅AlO₂(AsO₄)₄
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 4.26 g/cm³
Colors: Bright emerald-greenSometimes with a bluish hue
Streak: Light green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals
Cleavage: One imperfect direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: As sublimate incrustations and/or the product of reaction between rock and volcanic gas on the surface of basalt scoria in an active fumarole

Where rockhounds find dmisokolovite

Classic worldwide localities

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

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: As sublimate incrustations and/or the product of reaction between rock and volcanic gas on the surface of basalt scoria in an active fumarole. If you start seeing shchurovskyite, bradaczekite, tenorite 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 dmisokolovite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is light green. Common colors include bright emerald-green, sometimes with a bluish hue.

Where is dmisokolovite found?+

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

Is dmisokolovite safe to handle?+

Dmisokolovite contains arsenic and copper and calls for real care. Contains arsenic and copper; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling.

What rocks look like dmisokolovite?+

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

What minerals are found with dmisokolovite?+

Dmisokolovite commonly co-occurs with Shchurovskyite, Bradaczekite, Tenorite, Johillerite, Tilasite, Melanarsite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dmisokolovite form in?+

Where it forms: As sublimate incrustations and/or the product of reaction between rock and volcanic gas on the surface of basalt scoria in an active fumarole. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is dmisokolovite used for?+

Dmisokolovite is used in collector.

Find dmisokolovite on the map

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