Krivovichevite is a rare lead-aluminum tellurite sulfate mineral discovered in the fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano. It typically occurs as small, delicate, transparent to translucent platy crystals within volcanic vent deposits.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Krivovichevite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this krivovichevite?

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 krivovichevite with a known reference. Krivovichevite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Krivovichevite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Krivovichevite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

Krivovichevite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Magnolite

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Krivovichevite and pearly on Magnolite.

How to tell apart: Emmonsite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 2); streak differs, so Krivovichevite leaves white, Emmonsite leaves pale yellow.

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Often found alongside krivovichevite

Minerals reported to co-occur with krivovichevite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₃Al₂[(OH)₄|TeO₃]₂(SO₄)·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 5.02 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Pale Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits

Where rockhounds find krivovichevite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country, the host setting where krivovichevite typically forms. If you start seeing anglesite, sillenite, gold in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify krivovichevite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, pale yellow.

Where is krivovichevite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia.

Is krivovichevite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead; handle with care to avoid inhalation of dust or ingestion. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like krivovichevite?+

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

What minerals are found with krivovichevite?+

Krivovichevite commonly co-occurs with Anglesite, Sillenite, Gold. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does krivovichevite form in?+

Krivovichevite typically forms in fumarolic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is krivovichevite used for?+

Krivovichevite is used in collector.

Find krivovichevite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.