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, so Elasmochloite leaves greenish-white, Tolbachite leaves yellowish red; luster reads vitreous on Elasmochloite and subadamantine on Tolbachite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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