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.

Hardness

4-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Khrenovite

Hardness: 4-5
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this khrenovite?

4-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 khrenovite with a known reference. Khrenovite sits at Mohs 4-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-brown.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

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
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-brown
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A sublimate at an active volcanic fumarole

Where rockhounds find khrenovite

Classic worldwide localities

Arsenatnaya fumarole, Second scoria cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka peninsula, Far-Eastern Region, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A sublimate at an active volcanic fumarole. If you start seeing hematite, tenorite, sylvite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify khrenovite?+

Mohs hardness is 4-5. Luster: vitreous. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-brown.

Where is khrenovite found?+

Notable localities include Arsenatnaya fumarole, Second scoria cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka peninsula, Far-Eastern Region, Russia.

Is khrenovite safe to handle?+

Khrenovite contains arsenic and calls for real care. Contains arsenic; wash hands after handling and do not ingest or inhale dust during specimen preparation.

What rocks look like khrenovite?+

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

What minerals are found with khrenovite?+

Khrenovite commonly co-occurs with Hematite, Tenorite, Sylvite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does khrenovite form in?+

Where it forms: A sublimate at an active volcanic fumarole. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is khrenovite used for?+

Khrenovite is used in collector.

Find khrenovite on the map

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