Novograblenovite is an extremely rare ammonium-bearing chloride mineral discovered in volcanic fumaroles. It typically occurs as small, black octahedral crystals and is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors and those specializing in volcanic exhalations.
Is this novograblenovite?
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 novograblenovite with a known reference. Novograblenovite sits at Mohs 8 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Novograblenovite leaves a black streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Novograblenovite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.
Often confused with
Novograblenovite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside novograblenovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with novograblenovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (NH₄,K,Rb)MgCl₃
- Mohs hardness
- 8
- Density
- 4.45 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumarolic Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find novograblenovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumarolic deposits country — that is the host setting where novograblenovite typically forms. If you start seeing sylvite, halite, eritreite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find novograblenovite on the map
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