Pauflerite is a rare vanadium sulfate mineral found primarily in the fumarolic deposits of the Tolbachik volcano. It typically forms light green, tabular crystals and is known for its sensitivity to humidity and heat. Collectors prize it for its unique chemical composition and limited locality occurrence.
Is this pauflerite?
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 pauflerite with a known reference. Pauflerite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: light green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic.
Often confused with
Pauflerite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Pauflerite and subresinous to subadamantine on Vanadinite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Pauflerite leaves white, Descloizite leaves orange to brownish red; luster reads vitreous on Pauflerite and greasy on Descloizite.
Often found alongside pauflerite
Minerals reported to co-occur with pauflerite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- VOSO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3-4
- Density
- 3.36 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sublimate at volcanic fumaroles
Where rockhounds find pauflerite
Classic worldwide localities
- First cinder cone of the North breach of the Great Fissure eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
- Colima volcano, State of Colima, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Sublimate at volcanic fumaroles. If you start seeing shcherbinaite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify pauflerite?+
Where is pauflerite found?+
Is pauflerite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like pauflerite?+
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Find pauflerite on the map
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