Alumoedtollite is a rare potassium sodium copper arsenate. It is a sublimate on basaltic scoria at an active volcanic fumarole. It was first described from the Arsenatnaya fumarole, Tolbachik Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.
Is this alumoedtollite?
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 alumoedtollite with a known reference. Alumoedtollite sits at Mohs 2-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Alumoedtollite leaves a light yellow streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Alumoedtollite typically shows a metallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bronze.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Alumoedtollite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Natrolite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Alumoedtollite leaves light yellow, Natrolite leaves white; luster reads metallic on Alumoedtollite and vitreous on Natrolite.
How to tell apart: Gonnardite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5 vs. 2-3); streak differs, so Alumoedtollite leaves light yellow, Gonnardite leaves white; luster reads metallic on Alumoedtollite and silky on Gonnardite.
Often found alongside alumoedtollite
Minerals reported to co-occur with alumoedtollite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₂NaCu₅AlO₂(AsO₄)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 2-3
- Density
- 4.280 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Light Yellow
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Where rockhounds find alumoedtollite
Classic worldwide localities
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks country, the host setting where alumoedtollite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, nepheline 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 alumoedtollite?+
Where is alumoedtollite found?+
Is alumoedtollite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like alumoedtollite?+
What minerals are found with alumoedtollite?+
What kind of rock does alumoedtollite form in?+
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Find alumoedtollite on the map
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