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 — Srebrodolskite leaves brownish red, Brownmillerite leaves brown.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — 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 — that is 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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