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, 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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