Ammoniolasalite is a rare magnesium vanadate, typically bright orange to orange-yellow. It is a product of postmining oxidation of primary montroseite-corvusite assemblages at ambient temperatures. Associated minerals include ammoniozippeite, schindlerite and wernerbaurite. It was first described from Burro mine, Slick Rock district, San Miguel County, Colorado, USA.
Is this ammoniolasalite?
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 ammoniolasalite with a known reference. Ammoniolasalite sits at Mohs 1.5-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Ammoniolasalite leaves a light orange streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Ammoniolasalite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: bright orange, orange-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic.
Often confused with
Ammoniolasalite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside ammoniolasalite
Minerals reported to co-occur with ammoniolasalite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- [(NH₄)₂Mg₂(H₂O)₂₀]·[V₁₀O₂₈]
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5-2
- Density
- 2.82 g/cm³
- Streak
- Light Orange
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Fumaroles, Volcanic Vents, Burning Coal Seams
Where rockhounds find ammoniolasalite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vesuvius (Italy)
- Etna (Italy)
- Parícutin (Mexico)
- Centralia (USA)
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumaroles, volcanic vents, burning coal seams country, the host setting where ammoniolasalite typically forms. If you start seeing sulfur, realgar, gyalite in float, you are in the right ground.
Common questions
How do you identify ammoniolasalite?+
Where is ammoniolasalite found?+
What rocks look like ammoniolasalite?+
What minerals are found with ammoniolasalite?+
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What is ammoniolasalite used for?+
Find ammoniolasalite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
