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, so Leningradite leaves orange-yellow, Vandenbrandeite leaves light green; luster reads adamantine on Leningradite and vitreous on Vandenbrandeite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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
How do you identify leningradite?+
Where is leningradite found?+
How much is leningradite worth?+
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.
