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, so Ponomarevite leaves orange-red, Euchlorine leaves pale green.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so 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, 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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