Srebrodolskite is a very rare oxide mineral typically found in burning coal mine dumps where pyrometamorphism occurs. It usually forms as small, dark-colored grains or prismatic crystals associated with other calcium-rich phases. It is primarily a collector's mineral found in specific industrial-related geological environments.
Is this srebrodolskite?
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 srebrodolskite with a known reference. Srebrodolskite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Srebrodolskite leaves a brownish red streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Srebrodolskite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark red, brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: granular to prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Srebrodolskite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Srebrodolskite leaves brownish red, Brownmillerite leaves brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Srebrodolskite leaves brownish red, Iron Ore leaves reddish-brown to black; luster reads submetallic on Srebrodolskite and metallic to submetallic on Iron Ore.
Often found alongside srebrodolskite
Minerals reported to co-occur with srebrodolskite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂Fe₂O₅
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 4.26 g/cm³
- Streak
- Brownish Red
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Granular to Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Burning Coal Mine Dumps, Pyrometamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-250 per specimen
Where rockhounds find srebrodolskite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kopeysk, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia
- Hatrurim Formation, Israel
Field-hunting tip
Look in burning coal mine dumps, pyrometamorphic rocks country, the host setting where srebrodolskite typically forms. If you start seeing ettringite, portlandite, anhydrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular to prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify srebrodolskite?+
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Find srebrodolskite on the map
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