Fedotovite is a rare copper sulfate mineral formed by volcanic fumarolic activity. It is characterized by its distinct green to bluish-green tabular crystals and is found primarily in the vents of the Tolbachik volcano.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Greenish-white

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Fedotovite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Greenish-white
Transparency: Translucent

Is this fedotovite?

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 fedotovite with a known reference. Fedotovite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fedotovite leaves a greenish-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Fedotovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: green, bluish-green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, incrustations.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Euchlorine

Mohs 3

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Fedotovite leaves greenish-white, Euchlorine leaves pale green.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Fedotovite leaves greenish-white, Kamchatkite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Fedotovite and resinous on Kamchatkite.

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Often found alongside fedotovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂Cu₃O(SO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.32 g/cm³
Colors: Green Bluish-green
Streak: Greenish-white
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Incrustations
Cleavage: Perfect On {010}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality

Where rockhounds find fedotovite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country, the host setting where fedotovite typically forms. If you start seeing tenorite, langbeinite, sylvite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, incrustations habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify fedotovite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is greenish-white. Common colors include green, bluish-green.

Where is fedotovite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.

How much is fedotovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is fedotovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and sulfates; avoid inhaling dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Not for use in aquariums or consumption. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like fedotovite?+

Fedotovite is most often confused with Euchlorine, Kamchatkite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with fedotovite?+

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

What kind of rock does fedotovite form in?+

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

What is fedotovite used for?+

Fedotovite is used in collector.

Find fedotovite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.