Meniaylovite is a rare calcium aluminum sulfate, typically colorless or white. It is a product of the alteration of volcanic rocks by fumarole gases. Associated minerals include malladrite, hieratite and ralstonite. It was first described from First and Second cinder cones, Tolbachik Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.
Is this meniaylovite?
4-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 meniaylovite with a known reference. Meniaylovite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, yellowish white.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.
Often confused with
Meniaylovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside meniaylovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with meniaylovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₄AlSi(SO₄)F₁₃·12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.25 g/cm³
- Colors
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals, crusts
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A product of the alteration of volcanic rocks by fumarole gases
Where rockhounds find meniaylovite
Classic worldwide localities
- First and Second cinder cones, Northern Breakthrought of the Tolbachik Main Fracture Eruption {1975̄1976}, Tolbachik Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia (type locality)
- Eldfell volcano, Heimaey Island, Vestmannaeyjar archipelago, Iceland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A product of the alteration of volcanic rocks by fumarole gases. If you start seeing malladrite, hieratite, ralstonite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify meniaylovite?+
Where is meniaylovite found?+
What rocks look like meniaylovite?+
What minerals are found with meniaylovite?+
What kind of rock does meniaylovite form in?+
What is meniaylovite used for?+
Find meniaylovite on the map
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