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 — 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 — that is 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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