Georgbokiite is a very rare selenium oxide mineral found as small, dark red, tabular crystals in volcanic fumaroles. It was first described from the Tolbachik volcano in Russia and is primarily sought by specialized mineral collectors due to its extreme rarity and unusual chemistry.
Is this georgbokiite?
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 georgbokiite with a known reference. Georgbokiite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Georgbokiite leaves a yellowish-orange streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Georgbokiite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark red, brownish-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Georgbokiite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Georgbokiite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-4 vs. 2); streak differs — Georgbokiite leaves yellowish-orange, Selenium leaves red; luster reads adamantine on Georgbokiite and metallic on Selenium.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Georgbokiite leaves yellowish-orange, Chalcomenite leaves pale blue; luster reads adamantine on Georgbokiite and vitreous on Chalcomenite.
Often found alongside georgbokiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with georgbokiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- β-SeO₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 5.54 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellowish-orange
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumaroles
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find georgbokiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumaroles country — that is the host setting where georgbokiite typically forms. If you start seeing selenium, chloromenite, euchlorine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find georgbokiite on the map
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