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

~3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light green

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Ericlaxmanite

Hardness: ~3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light green
Transparency: Transparent

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 ~3.5, 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: dark green, 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: Cu₄O(AsO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: ~3.5
Density: 5.036 g/cm³
Colors: Dark green Green
Streak: Light green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals, crystalline crusts
Cleavage: Distinct, one direction (observed under the microscope)
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: As complex incrustations on the surface of basalt scoria or in open pockets

Where rockhounds find ericlaxmanite

Classic worldwide localities

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

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: As complex incrustations on the surface of basalt scoria or in open pockets. If you start seeing kozyrevskite, urusovite, lammerite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crystalline crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify ericlaxmanite?+

Mohs hardness is ~3.5. Luster: vitreous. The streak is light green. Common colors include dark green, green.

Where is ericlaxmanite found?+

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

Is ericlaxmanite safe to handle?+

Ericlaxmanite contains arsenic and copper and calls for real care. Contains arsenic and copper; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust.

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 Kozyrevskite, Urusovite, Lammerite, Lammerite-β, Popovite, Alarsite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does ericlaxmanite form in?+

Where it forms: As complex incrustations on the surface of basalt scoria or in open pockets. 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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