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 — that is 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.