Kamchatkite is a rare copper-potassium sulfate chloride mineral discovered in the active fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano. It typically occurs as small, resinous yellow tabular crystals within volcanic gas vents, often found alongside other rare copper-bearing species. It is a highly localized mineral, primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in fumarolic geochemistry.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Kamchatkite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Resinous
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this kamchatkite?

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 kamchatkite with a known reference. Kamchatkite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kamchatkite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kamchatkite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, aggregates.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Kamchatkite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2); streak differs — Kamchatkite leaves yellow, Tolbachite leaves yellowish red; luster reads resinous on Kamchatkite and subadamantine on Tolbachite.

Often found alongside kamchatkite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: KCu₃O(SO₄)₂Cl
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 3.31 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts, Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits in Volcanic Settings
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association

Where rockhounds find kamchatkite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits in volcanic settings country — that is the host setting where kamchatkite typically forms. If you start seeing tolbachite, piypite, tenorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kamchatkite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange.

Where is kamchatkite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.

How much is kamchatkite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and association. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is kamchatkite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and chlorine; avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like kamchatkite?+

Kamchatkite is most often confused with Tolbachite, Piypite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kamchatkite?+

Kamchatkite commonly co-occurs with Tolbachite, Piypite, Tenorite, Sylvite, Halite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kamchatkite form in?+

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

What is kamchatkite used for?+

Kamchatkite is used in collector.

Find kamchatkite on the map

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