Vergasovaite is a rare copper zinc sulfate mineral typically found as small, green, tabular crystals or radiating sprays in volcanic fumaroles. It is primarily known from the type locality at the Tolbachik volcano in Russia, where it forms due to volcanic exhalations. Collectors prize it for its unique chemical composition and association with rare volcanic minerals.
Is this vergasovaite?
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 vergasovaite with a known reference. Vergasovaite sits at Mohs 4-5.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: pale yellow.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: olive green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: aggregates, radial.
Often confused with
Vergasovaite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside vergasovaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vergasovaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃O(MoO₄)(SO₄)
- Mohs hardness
- 4-5.5
- Density
- 4.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Pale yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Aggregates, radial
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare sublimation product in fumaroles
Where rockhounds find vergasovaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik fissure volcano, Kamchatka, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare sublimation product in fumaroles. If you start seeing chalcocyanite, dolerophanite, euchlorine in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: aggregates, radial. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find vergasovaite on the map
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