Shchurovskyite is an exceptionally rare arsenate mineral found in the high-temperature fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. Collectors look for its characteristic greenish-yellow tabular crystals formed by volcanic gas deposition.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareAlarsite Group family

Shchurovskyite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this shchurovskyite?

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 shchurovskyite with a known reference. Shchurovskyite 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. Shchurovskyite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shchurovskyite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, greenish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, incrustations, aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Lammerite

Mohs 3.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Shchurovskyite leaves white, Lammerite leaves light green.

Often found alongside shchurovskyite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₂Ca(Cu,Zn)₆O₂(AsO₄)₄
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 3.44 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Greenish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Incrustations, Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarole Deposits

Where rockhounds find shchurovskyite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarole deposits country, the host setting where shchurovskyite typically forms. If you start seeing tenorite, sylvite, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, incrustations, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify shchurovskyite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, greenish-yellow.

Where is shchurovskyite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Is shchurovskyite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust during specimen preparation. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like shchurovskyite?+

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

What minerals are found with shchurovskyite?+

Shchurovskyite commonly co-occurs with Tenorite, Sylvite, Halite, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does shchurovskyite form in?+

Shchurovskyite typically forms in fumarole deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is shchurovskyite used for?+

Shchurovskyite is used in collector.

Find shchurovskyite on the map

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