Shilovite is a rare copper chloride mineral discovered in the volcanic fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically appears as small, blue tabular crystals or crusts formed through volcanic gas exhalations. Due to its solubility and rarity, specimens should be stored in a dry, sealed environment to prevent degradation.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Blue

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Shilovite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Blue
Transparency: Translucent

Is this shilovite?

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 shilovite with a known reference. Shilovite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Shilovite leaves a pale blue streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Shilovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, crusts.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Eriochalcite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Shilovite leaves pale blue, Eriochalcite leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Shilovite leaves pale blue, Chalcanthite leaves white.

Compare →

Often found alongside shilovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CuCl₂·4H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.16 g/cm³
Colors: Blue
Streak: Pale Blue
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Crusts
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarole Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find shilovite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify shilovite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale blue. Common colors include blue.

Where is shilovite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

How much is shilovite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is shilovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and chlorides; wash hands after handling and avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like shilovite?+

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

What minerals are found with shilovite?+

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

What kind of rock does shilovite form in?+

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

What is shilovite used for?+

Shilovite is used in collector.

Find shilovite on the map

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