Godovikovite is a rare ammonium aluminum sulfate that typically forms as a secondary mineral in burning coal heaps. It is easily identified by its occurrence as white crusts or efflorescences associated with other sulfate minerals in combustion zones.
Is this godovikovite?
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 godovikovite with a known reference. Godovikovite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Godovikovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Godovikovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: crusts, efflorescences, massive aggregates.
Often confused with
Godovikovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside godovikovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with godovikovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NH₄Al(SO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.05 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Crusts, Efflorescences, Massive Aggregates
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Burning Coal Mine Dumps
- Typical price
- $50-300 per small specimen
Where rockhounds find godovikovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kopeysk, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia
- Fan-Yagnob coal deposit, Tajikistan
Field-hunting tip
Look in burning coal mine dumps country, the host setting where godovikovite typically forms. If you start seeing tschermigite, alunogen, sulfur in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a crusts, efflorescences, massive aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find godovikovite on the map
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