Glikinite is a rare zinc oxysulfate mineral discovered in the fumarolic deposits of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically forms as thin tabular crystals or white crusts in high-temperature volcanic environments. Collectors should be aware of its extreme rarity and its occurrence primarily as a sublimation product.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Glikinite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this glikinite?

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

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside glikinite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Zn₃O(SO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 3.55 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find glikinite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify glikinite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is glikinite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.

How much is glikinite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is glikinite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains zinc, which can be toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust; handle with caution and wash hands thoroughly after contact. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like glikinite?+

Glikinite is most often confused with Gunningite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with glikinite?+

Glikinite commonly co-occurs with zincite, hematite, tenorite, lyonsite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does glikinite form in?+

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

What is glikinite used for?+

Glikinite is used in collector.

Find glikinite on the map

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