Elasmochloite is a rare sodium copper bismuth sulfate, typically green. It is a sublimate on scoria around an active fumarole. It was first described from the Arsenatnaya fumarole, Kamchatka Peninsula, Far-Eastern Region, Russia.
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. Streak: pale green.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: strong vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: 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, so Elasmochloite leaves pale green, Tolbachite leaves yellowish red; luster reads strong vitreous on Elasmochloite and pearly on Tolbachite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Elasmochloite leaves pale green, Ponomarevite leaves red-orange; luster reads strong vitreous on Elasmochloite and vitreous, resinous to greasy in aggregates on Ponomarevite.
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
- Na₃Cu₆BiO₄(SO₄)₅
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 3.844 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale green
- Luster
- Strong vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, granular aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A sublimate on scoria around an active fumarole
Where rockhounds find elasmochloite
Classic worldwide localities
- Arsenatnaya fumarole, Second scoria cone, Northern Breakthrough of the Great Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Far-Eastern Region, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A sublimate on scoria around an active fumarole. If you start seeing tenorite, hematite, langbeinite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify elasmochloite?+
Where is elasmochloite found?+
Is elasmochloite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like elasmochloite?+
What minerals are found with elasmochloite?+
What kind of rock does elasmochloite form in?+
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Find elasmochloite on the map
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