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.
Is this poyarkovite?
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 poyarkovite with a known reference. Poyarkovite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Poyarkovite leaves a yellowish-orange streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Poyarkovite typically shows a adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark red, brownish-red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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.
How to tell apart: Poyarkovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); streak differs — Poyarkovite leaves yellowish-orange, Cinnabar leaves scarlet.
How to tell apart: Poyarkovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 1.5-2); streak differs — Poyarkovite leaves yellowish-orange, Calomel leaves white.
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
- 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 — that is 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
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Find poyarkovite on the map
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