Vyalsovite is a rare hydrous calcium magnesium aluminum sulfate carbonate mineral discovered in the Kola Peninsula. It typically forms as thin tabular crystals or radial aggregates within alkaline pegmatites. Collectors primarily find it as a rare species of interest in mineralogical systematic collections.
Is this vyalsovite?
4-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 vyalsovite with a known reference. Vyalsovite sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: submetallic.
- 3Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red.
- 4Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: microscopic crystals.
Often confused with
Vyalsovite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads submetallic on Vyalsovite and vitreous, pearly on cleavages on Hydrocalumite.
How to tell apart: Vyalsovite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5); luster reads submetallic on Vyalsovite and vitreous on Ettringite.
Often found alongside vyalsovite
Minerals reported to co-occur with vyalsovite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaFeAlS(OH)₅
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5
- Density
- 1.96 g/cm³
- Colors
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Microscopic crystals
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In a skarn
Where rockhounds find vyalsovite
Classic worldwide localities
- Talnakh, Norilsk, Russia (type locality)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In a skarn. If you start seeing hydrotalcite, calcite, thaumasite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: microscopic crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find vyalsovite on the map
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