Olympite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral discovered at the fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically occurs as small, colorless to white tabular crystals within volcanic sublimate deposits and is highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Olympite

Hardness: 4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this olympite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Olympite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 2); streak differs — Olympite leaves white, Kozyrevskite leaves yellow.

How to tell apart: Olympite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 3).

Compare →

Often found alongside olympite

Minerals reported to co-occur with olympite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₅Li₂Cu(PO₄)₄
Mohs hardness: 4
Density: 2.8 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarole Deposits
Typical price: $50-500 depending on specimen quality

Where rockhounds find olympite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarole deposits country — that is the host setting where olympite typically forms. If you start seeing tolbachikite, tenorite, sylvite 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 olympite?+

Mohs hardness is 4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is olympite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

How much is olympite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-500 depending on specimen quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is olympite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like olympite?+

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

What minerals are found with olympite?+

Olympite commonly co-occurs with Tolbachikite, Tenorite, Sylvite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does olympite form in?+

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

What is olympite used for?+

Olympite is used in collector.

Find olympite on the map

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