Elasmochloite is a rare volcanic mineral discovered in the fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals or crusts within high-temperature sublimate deposits associated with copper-rich minerals.
Is this elasmochloite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch elasmochloite with a known reference. Elasmochloite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Elasmochloite leaves a greenish-white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Elasmochloite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark green, blackish-green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular aggregates.
Often confused with
Elasmochloite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Elasmochloite leaves greenish-white, Tolbachite leaves yellowish red; luster reads vitreous on Elasmochloite and subadamantine on Tolbachite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Elasmochloite leaves greenish-white, Ponomarevite leaves orange-red.
Often found alongside elasmochloite
Minerals reported to co-occur with elasmochloite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂Cu₅O(SO₄)₄Cl₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.36 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Greenish-white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Granular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumarolic Deposits in Volcanic Settings
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality
Where rockhounds find elasmochloite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumarolic deposits in volcanic settings country — that is the host setting where elasmochloite typically forms. If you start seeing tolbachite, ponomarevite, tenorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find elasmochloite on the map
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