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 — 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 — that is 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.