Parageorgbokiite is a rare copper selenite chloride mineral found primarily in the fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically appears as dark red to brown tabular crystals formed by volcanic exhalations. Collectors prize it for its rarity and its association with other exotic copper minerals.
Is this parageorgbokiite?
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 parageorgbokiite with a known reference. Parageorgbokiite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Parageorgbokiite leaves a yellowish brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Parageorgbokiite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark red, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Parageorgbokiite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Parageorgbokiite leaves yellowish brown, Georgbokiite leaves yellowish-orange.
How to tell apart: Parageorgbokiite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2.5); streak differs — Parageorgbokiite leaves yellowish brown, Chloromenite leaves light green; luster reads adamantine on Parageorgbokiite and vitreous on Chloromenite.
Often found alongside parageorgbokiite
Minerals reported to co-occur with parageorgbokiite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₅O₂Cl₂(SeO₃)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 5.65 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish Brown
- Luster
- Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumarole Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find parageorgbokiite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumarole deposits country — that is the host setting where parageorgbokiite typically forms. If you start seeing georgbokiite, tolbachite, tenorite 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 parageorgbokiite on the map
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