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, so 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, so Gladkovskyite leaves brownish, Orpiment leaves yellow; luster reads submetallic on Gladkovskyite and resinous on Orpiment.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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