Ericlaxmanite is an extremely rare copper magnesium arsenate mineral discovered in the volcanic fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano. It typically forms as thin tabular crystals or delicate crusts associated with other complex copper-rich volcanic minerals.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light Green

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Ericlaxmanite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light Green
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this ericlaxmanite?

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 ericlaxmanite with a known reference. Ericlaxmanite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ericlaxmanite leaves a light green streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Ericlaxmanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark green, olive green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crystalline crusts.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside ericlaxmanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₄Mg(AsO₄)₂O₂
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Green Olive Green
Streak: Light Green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crystalline Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarole Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find ericlaxmanite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarole deposits country — that is the host setting where ericlaxmanite typically forms. If you start seeing tenorite, hematite, sylvite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crystalline crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ericlaxmanite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is light green. Common colors include dark green, olive green.

Where is ericlaxmanite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

How much is ericlaxmanite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is ericlaxmanite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and copper; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like ericlaxmanite?+

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

What minerals are found with ericlaxmanite?+

Ericlaxmanite commonly co-occurs with Tenorite, Hematite, Sylvite, Halite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ericlaxmanite form in?+

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

What is ericlaxmanite used for?+

Ericlaxmanite is used in collector.

Find ericlaxmanite on the map

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