Koksharovite is a rare calcium magnesium iron vanadate. It is a sublimate from fumarolic gas deposited on andesitic scoria. Associated minerals include bannermanite, biotite and quartz. It was first described from Bezymyannyi volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.

Hardness

~4.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellowish brown

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareWopmayite Group family

Koksharovite

Hardness: ~4.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellowish brown
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this koksharovite?

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 koksharovite with a known reference. Koksharovite sits at Mohs ~4.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellowish brown.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: adamantine.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellowish brown, reddish brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Koksharovite leaves yellowish brown, Wopmayite leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Koksharovite and vitreous on Wopmayite.

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Often found alongside koksharovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaMg₂Fe³⁺₄(VO₄)₆
Mohs hardness: ~4.5
Density: 3.39 g/cm³
Colors: Yellowish brown Reddish brown
Streak: Yellowish brown
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A sublimate from fumarolic gas deposited on andesitic scoria

Where rockhounds find koksharovite

Classic worldwide localities

Bezymyannyi volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A sublimate from fumarolic gas deposited on andesitic scoria. If you start seeing bannermanite, biotite, quartz 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 koksharovite?+

Mohs hardness is ~4.5. Luster: adamantine. The streak is yellowish brown. Common colors include yellowish brown, reddish brown.

Where is koksharovite found?+

Notable localities include Bezymyannyi volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.

Is koksharovite safe to handle?+

Koksharovite contains vanadium. Wash your hands afterwards, never grind or breathe the dust, and store it apart from specimens you handle often.

What rocks look like koksharovite?+

Koksharovite is most often confused with Wopmayite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with koksharovite?+

Koksharovite commonly co-occurs with Bannermanite, Biotite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does koksharovite form in?+

Where it forms: A sublimate from fumarolic gas deposited on andesitic scoria. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is koksharovite used for?+

Koksharovite is used in collector.

Find koksharovite on the map

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