Parawulffite is a rare volcanic fumarole mineral discovered at the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically appears as attractive blue tabular crystals associated with other copper-bearing volcanic minerals.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Parawulffite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this parawulffite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Parawulffite leaves white, Wulffite leaves light green.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Parawulffite leaves white, Kamchatkite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Parawulffite and resinous on Kamchatkite.

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Often found alongside parawulffite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₅Na₃Cu₈O₂(SO₄)₄Cl₁₀
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 4.26 g/cm³
Colors: Blue Greenish-blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Subparallel Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarole Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per micro-mount or small specimen

Where rockhounds find parawulffite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarole deposits country — that is the host setting where parawulffite typically forms. If you start seeing wulffite, kamchatkite, tolbachikite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, subparallel aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify parawulffite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue, greenish-blue.

Where is parawulffite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

How much is parawulffite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per micro-mount or small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is parawulffite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like parawulffite?+

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

What minerals are found with parawulffite?+

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

What kind of rock does parawulffite form in?+

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

What is parawulffite used for?+

Parawulffite is used in collector.

Find parawulffite on the map

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