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 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Leningradite leaves a orange-yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Leningradite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange, red-orange.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Leningradite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Leningradite leaves orange-yellow, Vandenbrandeite leaves light green; luster reads adamantine on Leningradite and vitreous on Vandenbrandeite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Leningradite leaves orange-yellow, Volborthite leaves yellowish-green; luster reads adamantine on Leningradite and vitreous on Volborthite.
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
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.38 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Orange-yellow
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumarole Deposits of Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $200-1000+ for rare micro-specimens
Where rockhounds find leningradite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik Volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumarole deposits of volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where leningradite typically forms. If you start seeing chlorothionite, tolbachite, euchlorine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find leningradite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
