Khrenovite is a rare arsenate mineral discovered in the volcanic fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically occurs as small, yellow, transparent tabular crystals associated with other volcanic sublimates.
Is this khrenovite?
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 khrenovite with a known reference. Khrenovite sits at Mohs 4-5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Khrenovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Khrenovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Khrenovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Khrenovite leaves white, Alluaudite leaves yellowish white; luster reads vitreous on Khrenovite and vitreous to resinous on Alluaudite.
How to tell apart: Khrenovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4-5 vs. 2); streak differs — Khrenovite leaves white, Yvonite leaves orange-red.
Often found alongside khrenovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with khrenovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₃Fe³⁺₂(AsO₄)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumarolic Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per thumbnail
Where rockhounds find khrenovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumarolic deposits country — that is the host setting where khrenovite typically forms. If you start seeing hematite, tenorite, sylvite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find khrenovite on the map
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