Meniaylovite is an extremely rare lead copper tellurium chloride mineral discovered in volcanic fumaroles. It typically forms as delicate, colorless to yellowish platy crystals or thin crusts in high-temperature volcanic environments.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Meniaylovite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this meniaylovite?

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 meniaylovite with a known reference. Meniaylovite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Meniaylovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Meniaylovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Alarsite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3-4 vs. 2).

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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: Pb₄CuTeO₆Cl₄
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarole Deposits

Where rockhounds find meniaylovite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarole deposits country, the host setting where meniaylovite typically forms. If you start seeing klyuchevskite, dolerophanite, haematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify meniaylovite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellow.

Where is meniaylovite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Is meniaylovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and tellurium. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like meniaylovite?+

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

What minerals are found with meniaylovite?+

Meniaylovite commonly co-occurs with klyuchevskite, dolerophanite, haematite, tenorite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does meniaylovite form in?+

Meniaylovite typically forms in fumarole deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is meniaylovite used for?+

Meniaylovite is used in collector.

Find meniaylovite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.