Kozyrevskite is a rare copper vanadium oxysalt mineral discovered in the volcanic fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano. It typically occurs as thin, yellow tabular crystals or crusts associated with other exotic high-temperature volcanic sublimates.
Is this kozyrevskite?
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 kozyrevskite with a known reference. Kozyrevskite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kozyrevskite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kozyrevskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Kozyrevskite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Kozyrevskite leaves yellow, Lanarkite leaves white; luster reads vitreous on Kozyrevskite and adamantine on Lanarkite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Kozyrevskite and resinous on Piypite.
Often found alongside kozyrevskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kozyrevskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₄O(VO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 4.26 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumarole Deposits
- Typical price
- $100-500 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find kozyrevskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik Volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumarole deposits country, the host setting where kozyrevskite typically forms. If you start seeing tolbachite, tenorite, piypite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kozyrevskite on the map
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