Lavrentievite is a rare mercury sulfohalide primarily found in high-temperature hydrothermal mercury deposits. It is best identified by its adamantine luster and association with other rare mercury halides, typically appearing as small, tabular crystals.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Lavrentievite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this lavrentievite?

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 lavrentievite with a known reference. Lavrentievite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Lavrentievite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Lavrentievite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, orange, brown, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, massive, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Eglestonite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Lavrentievite leaves white, Eglestonite leaves yellowish-white.

Often found alongside lavrentievite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Hg₃S₂Cl₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 6.08 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Orange Brown Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Massive, Granular
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Mercury Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find lavrentievite

Classic worldwide localities

Khaidarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan
Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal mercury deposits country, the host setting where lavrentievite typically forms. If you start seeing arzakite, cinnabar, calomel in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify lavrentievite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, orange, brown, colorless.

Where is lavrentievite found?+

Notable localities include Khaidarkan deposit, Kyrgyzstan; Russia.

How much is lavrentievite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is lavrentievite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and chlorine. Handle with caution, avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, or skin contact. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like lavrentievite?+

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

What minerals are found with lavrentievite?+

Lavrentievite commonly co-occurs with Arzakite, Cinnabar, Calomel, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does lavrentievite form in?+

Lavrentievite typically forms in hydrothermal mercury deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is lavrentievite used for?+

Lavrentievite is used in collector.

Find lavrentievite on the map

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