Krasheninnikovite is a rare sulfate mineral found in volcanic fumarole deposits. It typically forms thin tabular crystals or delicate crusts in extreme high-temperature environments, specifically observed at the Tolbachik volcano in Russia.
Is this krasheninnikovite?
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 krasheninnikovite with a known reference. Krasheninnikovite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Krasheninnikovite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Krasheninnikovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Krasheninnikovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside krasheninnikovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with krasheninnikovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂NaMg(SO₄)₂F
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.58 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals, Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Volcanic Fumaroles
- Typical price
- $50-300 per micro-mount specimen
Where rockhounds find krasheninnikovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic fumaroles country — that is the host setting where krasheninnikovite typically forms. If you start seeing euchlorine, tolbachite, tenorite 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 krasheninnikovite on the map
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