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 — that is 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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