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.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareKrasheninnikovite Group family

Krasheninnikovite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this krasheninnikovite?

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 krasheninnikovite with a known reference. Krasheninnikovite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. 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: KNa₂CaMg(SO₄)₃F
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 2.68 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals, crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A sublimate around an active volcanic fumarole

Where rockhounds find krasheninnikovite

Classic worldwide localities

Second scoria cone, Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A sublimate around an active volcanic fumarole. If you start seeing tenorite, thenardite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify krasheninnikovite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless.

Where is krasheninnikovite found?+

Notable localities include Second scoria cone, Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

What rocks look like krasheninnikovite?+

Krasheninnikovite is most often confused with Aphthitalite, Langbeinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with krasheninnikovite?+

Krasheninnikovite commonly co-occurs with Tenorite, Thenardite, Hematite, Euchlorine, Blödite, Vergasovaite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does krasheninnikovite form in?+

Where it forms: A sublimate around an active volcanic fumarole. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is krasheninnikovite used for?+

Krasheninnikovite is used in collector.

Find krasheninnikovite on the map

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