Schöllhornite is a very rare hydrated sodium sulfide mineral first described from fumarolic deposits on the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically occurs as small, delicate golden-yellow platy crystals that are highly sensitive to moisture and must be stored in sealed containers to prevent dehydration.
Is this schöllhornite?
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 schöllhornite with a known reference. Schöllhornite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Schöllhornite leaves a yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Schöllhornite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, golden yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, tabular aggregates.
Often confused with
Schöllhornite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside schöllhornite
Minerals reported to co-occur with schöllhornite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₂S₃·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 3.31 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Tabular Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumarolic Deposits in Volcanic Settings
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find schöllhornite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumarolic deposits in volcanic settings country, the host setting where schöllhornite typically forms. If you start seeing thenardite, bishofite, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, tabular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify schöllhornite?+
Where is schöllhornite found?+
How much is schöllhornite worth?+
What rocks look like schöllhornite?+
What minerals are found with schöllhornite?+
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Find schöllhornite on the map
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