Leningradite is a rare lead-copper vanadate chloride identified primarily from the fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. Collectors prize its distinct orange tabular crystals which form in highly specific high-temperature volcanic environments.
Is this leningradite?
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 leningradite with a known reference. Leningradite sits at Mohs 4.25, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: red-orange.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, reddish brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy.
Often confused with
Leningradite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Leningradite leaves red-orange, Vandenbrandeite leaves green.
How to tell apart: Leningradite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4.25 vs. 3.5); streak differs, so Leningradite leaves red-orange, Volborthite leaves light green.
Often found alongside leningradite
Minerals reported to co-occur with leningradite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- PbCu₃(VO₄)₂Cl₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4.25
- Density
- 4.81 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Red-orange
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque, transparent in very thin grains
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy
- Cleavage
- On {010}, perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In volcanic fumaroles, deposited at about 140°C
Where rockhounds find leningradite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik fissure volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In volcanic fumaroles, deposited at about 140°C. If you start seeing tolbachite, lammerite, anglesite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify leningradite?+
Where is leningradite found?+
Is leningradite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like leningradite?+
What minerals are found with leningradite?+
What kind of rock does leningradite form in?+
What is leningradite used for?+
Find leningradite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
