Howardevansite is a rare volcanic mineral discovered in the active fumaroles of the Izalco Volcano. It typically presents as microscopic black metallic grains within secondary salt deposits. Collectors primarily seek it as an extreme rarity due to its restricted geographical occurrence.
Is this howardevansite?
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 howardevansite with a known reference. Howardevansite sits at Mohs 5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: red-brown.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular.
Often confused with
Howardevansite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Howardevansite leaves red-brown, Ilmenite leaves black to reddish brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Howardevansite leaves red-brown, Magnetite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Howardevansite leaves red-brown, Hematite leaves cherry-red or reddish brown.
Often found alongside howardevansite
Minerals reported to co-occur with howardevansite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- NaCuFe₂(VO₄)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 5.5
- Density
- 3.814 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Red-brown
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque, translucent on thin edges
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Forms by sublimation around fumaroles on an andesitic volcano
Where rockhounds find howardevansite
Classic worldwide localities
- Occurs on the Izalco volcano, El Salvador
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Forms by sublimation around fumaroles on an andesitic volcano. If you start seeing thenardite, lyonsite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify howardevansite?+
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Is howardevansite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like howardevansite?+
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Find howardevansite on the map
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