Ponomarevite is a rare potassium copper chloride mineral found primarily in the fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically forms as thin, dark red tabular crystals in high-temperature volcanic environments.
Is this ponomarevite?
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 ponomarevite with a known reference. Ponomarevite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ponomarevite leaves a orange-red streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ponomarevite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark red, brownish-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Ponomarevite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ponomarevite leaves orange-red, Euchlorine leaves pale green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Ponomarevite leaves orange-red, Piypite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Ponomarevite and resinous on Piypite.
Often found alongside ponomarevite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ponomarevite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₄Cu₄OCl₁₀
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 3.37 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Orange-red
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Volcanic Fumaroles
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find ponomarevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic fumaroles country — that is the host setting where ponomarevite typically forms. If you start seeing sylvite, halite, 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 ponomarevite on the map
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