Panichiite is an extremely rare ammonium stannochloride mineral typically found in volcanic fumaroles. It generally occurs as tiny tabular crystals, often forming as sublimates in high-temperature volcanic environments. Collectors rarely encounter it outside of specific research-grade mineral suites from its type locality at Vulcano.
Is this panichiite?
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 panichiite with a known reference. Panichiite sits at Mohs 2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Panichiite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Panichiite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Panichiite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside panichiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with panichiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (NH₄)₂SnCl₆
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.98 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumarole Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-200 for micro specimens
Where rockhounds find panichiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Stefania fumarole, Vulcano, Lipari Islands, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumarole deposits country, the host setting where panichiite typically forms. If you start seeing sal ammoniac, gillardite 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
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Find panichiite on the map
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