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 2.8, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: red-orange.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous, resinous to greasy in aggregates.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: orange 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.
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
- 2.8
- Density
- 2.78 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Red-orange
- Luster
- Vitreous, resinous to greasy in aggregates
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- Imperfect on {001} and {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- As a fracture filling and in fumaroles, deposited from 280–400°C
Where rockhounds find ponomarevite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik fissure volcano, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: As a fracture filling and in fumaroles, deposited from 280–400°C. If you start seeing halite, sylvite, tenorite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify ponomarevite?+
Where is ponomarevite found?+
Is ponomarevite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like ponomarevite?+
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Find ponomarevite on the map
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