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

No image

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, so Parawulffite leaves white, Wulffite leaves light green.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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.