Yaroshevskite is a very rare copper vanadate mineral typically found in the fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It usually forms as small, tabular crystals associated with other exotic volcanic minerals.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light Green

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarenull family

Yaroshevskite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light Green
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this yaroshevskite?

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 yaroshevskite with a known reference. Yaroshevskite 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. Yaroshevskite leaves a light green streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Yaroshevskite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: dark green, black.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Piypite

Mohs 2-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Yaroshevskite leaves light green, Piypite leaves yellow; luster reads vitreous on Yaroshevskite and resinous on Piypite.

Often found alongside yaroshevskite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₉Fe(VO₄)₄O₂(OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Dark Green Black
Streak: Light Green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Fumarole Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 thumbnail

Where rockhounds find yaroshevskite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic fumarole deposits country — that is the host setting where yaroshevskite typically forms. If you start seeing piypite, lammerite, tenorite 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 yaroshevskite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is light green. Common colors include dark green, black.

Where is yaroshevskite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

How much is yaroshevskite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is yaroshevskite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper and vanadium; avoid inhalation of dust and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like yaroshevskite?+

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

What minerals are found with yaroshevskite?+

Yaroshevskite commonly co-occurs with piypite, lammerite, tenorite, hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does yaroshevskite form in?+

Yaroshevskite typically forms in volcanic fumarole deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is yaroshevskite used for?+

Yaroshevskite is used in collector.

Find yaroshevskite on the map

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