Vlodavetsite is a rare lead-calcium arsenate-sulfate chloride found primarily in volcanic fumaroles. It typically occurs as tiny, thin tabular crystals formed through sublimation and direct deposition from volcanic gases.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Vlodavetsite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this vlodavetsite?

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 vlodavetsite with a known reference. Vlodavetsite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Vlodavetsite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Vlodavetsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Finnemanite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Vlodavetsite and adamantine on Finnemanite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Vlodavetsite and adamantine on Anglesite.

Compare →

Often found alongside vlodavetsite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂Pb(SO₄)(AsO₄)Cl
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: White Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarole Encrustations
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find vlodavetsite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarole encrustations country, the host setting where vlodavetsite typically forms. If you start seeing tolbachite, tenorite, hematite 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 vlodavetsite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, yellow.

Where is vlodavetsite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

How much is vlodavetsite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is vlodavetsite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and arsenic; wash hands thoroughly after handling and do not inhale dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like vlodavetsite?+

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

What minerals are found with vlodavetsite?+

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

What kind of rock does vlodavetsite form in?+

Vlodavetsite typically forms in fumarole encrustations. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is vlodavetsite used for?+

Vlodavetsite is used in collector.

Find vlodavetsite on the map

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