Gladkovskyite is an exceptionally rare sulfosalt mineral found primarily in the Vorontsovskoye gold deposit in Russia. It typically occurs as microscopic anhedral grains associated with other arsenic and mercury-bearing minerals in hydrothermal vein systems.
Is this gladkovskyite?
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 gladkovskyite with a known reference. Gladkovskyite sits at Mohs 3-3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Gladkovskyite leaves a brownish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Gladkovskyite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: anhedral grains.
Often confused with
Gladkovskyite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Gladkovskyite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Gladkovskyite leaves brownish, Realgar leaves orange-red; luster reads submetallic on Gladkovskyite and resinous on Realgar.
How to tell apart: Gladkovskyite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3-3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Gladkovskyite leaves brownish, Orpiment leaves yellow; luster reads submetallic on Gladkovskyite and resinous on Orpiment.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Gladkovskyite leaves brownish, Cinnabar leaves scarlet; luster reads submetallic on Gladkovskyite and adamantine on Cinnabar.
Often found alongside gladkovskyite
Minerals reported to co-occur with gladkovskyite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KHgAs₃S₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3-3.5
- Density
- 4.43 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Brownish
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Anhedral Grains
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Gold Deposits in Sedimentary Rocks
- Typical price
- n/a (extremely rare specimen)
Where rockhounds find gladkovskyite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vorontsovskoye deposit, Ural Mountains, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal gold deposits in sedimentary rocks country — that is the host setting where gladkovskyite typically forms. If you start seeing realgar, orpiment, cinnabar in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a anhedral grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find gladkovskyite on the map
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