Starovaite is a rare potassium copper sulfate chloride mineral discovered in the volcanic fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano. It typically forms small, vibrant yellow to greenish-yellow tabular crystals that are highly sought after by advanced mineral collectors specializing in rare volcanic species.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Starovaite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this starovaite?

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 starovaite with a known reference. Starovaite sits at Mohs 3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Starovaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Starovaite 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: orthorhombic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Lanarkite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Starovaite and adamantine on Lanarkite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Starovaite leaves white, Euchroite leaves pale green.

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Often found alongside starovaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: KCu₄O(SO₄)₄Cl
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.83 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Greenish-yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Distinct
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price: $200-1000+

Where rockhounds find starovaite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

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

Common questions

How do you identify starovaite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, greenish-yellow.

Where is starovaite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

How much is starovaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $200-1000+. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is starovaite safe to handle?+

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

What rocks look like starovaite?+

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

What minerals are found with starovaite?+

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

What kind of rock does starovaite form in?+

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

What is starovaite used for?+

Starovaite is used in collector.

Find starovaite on the map

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