Romanorlovite is an exceptionally rare mercury-potassium chloride mineral found primarily in volcanic fumaroles. It typically occurs as small, sharp octahedral crystals with a distinct yellow color and high luster, often forming in low-temperature volcanic vent environments.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Romanorlovite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this romanorlovite?

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 romanorlovite with a known reference. Romanorlovite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Romanorlovite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Romanorlovite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, yellowish-orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Salammoniac

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Romanorlovite leaves yellow, Salammoniac leaves white; luster reads adamantine on Romanorlovite and vitreous on Salammoniac.

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Often found alongside romanorlovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂Hg₃Cl₈
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 5.68 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Yellowish-orange
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits On Volcanic Basalt
Typical price: $200-800 per specimen

Where rockhounds find romanorlovite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits on volcanic basalt country — that is the host setting where romanorlovite typically forms. If you start seeing sylvite, halite, eritreite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify romanorlovite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, yellowish-orange.

Where is romanorlovite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

How much is romanorlovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-800 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is romanorlovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and potassium chlorides; handle with gloves and wash hands thoroughly after contact to avoid ingestion or skin absorption. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like romanorlovite?+

Romanorlovite is most often confused with Salammoniac. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with romanorlovite?+

Romanorlovite commonly co-occurs with Sylvite, Halite, Eritreite, Tolbachikite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does romanorlovite form in?+

Romanorlovite typically forms in fumarolic deposits on volcanic basalt. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is romanorlovite used for?+

Romanorlovite is used in collector.

Find romanorlovite on the map

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