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.
Is this kamchatkite?
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 kamchatkite with a known reference. Kamchatkite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: greenish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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 3.5 vs. 2); streak differs, so Kamchatkite leaves yellow, Tolbachite leaves yellowish red; luster reads vitreous on Kamchatkite and pearly on Tolbachite.
How to tell apart: Kamchatkite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs, so Kamchatkite leaves yellow, Piypite leaves yellowish green.
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
- 3.5
- Density
- 3.48 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals, crusts, aggregates
- Cleavage
- On {011} and {100}, perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A volcanic sublimate formed between 120°C and 140°C
Where rockhounds find kamchatkite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik fissure volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A volcanic sublimate formed between 120°C and 140°C. If you start seeing ponomarevite, tolbachite, klyuchevskite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts, aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kamchatkite?+
Where is kamchatkite found?+
Is kamchatkite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like kamchatkite?+
What minerals are found with kamchatkite?+
What kind of rock does kamchatkite form in?+
What is kamchatkite used for?+
Find kamchatkite on the map
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