Poyarkovite is a rare mercury oxychloride mineral that forms in association with other mercury species in hydrothermal deposits. Collectors should look for its distinct deep reddish-brown color and adamantine luster, typically found as tiny, sparse crystals in oxidized zones of mercury mines.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellowish-orange

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Poyarkovite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellowish-orange
Transparency: Translucent

Is this poyarkovite?

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 poyarkovite with a known reference. Poyarkovite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Poyarkovite leaves a yellowish-orange streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Poyarkovite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark red, brownish-red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals, granular.

Often confused with

Poyarkovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Cinnabar

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Poyarkovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs, so Poyarkovite leaves yellowish-orange, Cinnabar leaves scarlet.

How to tell apart: Poyarkovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs, so Poyarkovite leaves yellowish-orange, Calomel leaves white.

Compare →

Often found alongside poyarkovite

Minerals reported to co-occur with poyarkovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Hg₃Cl(O,OH)
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 8.87 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Red Brownish-red
Streak: Yellowish-orange
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Mercury Deposits
Typical price: $200-1000 per specimen

Where rockhounds find poyarkovite

Classic worldwide localities

Khaidarkan Sb-Hg deposit, Kyrgyzstan

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal mercury deposits country, the host setting where poyarkovite typically forms. If you start seeing cinnabar, calomel, eglestonite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify poyarkovite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellowish-orange. Common colors include dark red, brownish-red.

Where is poyarkovite found?+

Notable localities include Khaidarkan Sb-Hg deposit, Kyrgyzstan.

How much is poyarkovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is poyarkovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and chlorine. Avoid inhalation of dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling; store in a sealed container to prevent mercury vapor or oxidation issues. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like poyarkovite?+

Poyarkovite is most often confused with Cinnabar, Calomel. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with poyarkovite?+

Poyarkovite commonly co-occurs with Cinnabar, Calomel, Eglestonite, Mercury. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does poyarkovite form in?+

Poyarkovite typically forms in hydrothermal mercury deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is poyarkovite used for?+

Poyarkovite is used in collector.

Find poyarkovite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.