Axelite is a rare sodium copper arsenate. It is a sublimate in active volcanic fumaroles. It was first described from the Arsenatnaya fumarole, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Hardness

4.5-5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareApophyllite Group family

Axelite

Axelite is a rare sodium copper arsenate. It is a sublimate in active volcanic fumaroles. It was first described from the Arsenatnaya fumarole, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Hardness: 4.5-5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this axelite?

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 axelite with a known reference. Axelite sits at Mohs 4.5-5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Axelite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Axelite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pink, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Apophyllite

Mohs 4.5-5

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Axelite and vitreous to pearly on Apophyllite.

Often found alongside axelite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₁₄Cu₇(AsO₄)₈F₂Cl₂
Mohs hardness: 4.5-5
Density: 2.3-2.5 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Pink Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Basaltic Cavities

Where rockhounds find axelite

Classic worldwide localities

Arsenatnaya fumarole, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in basaltic cavities country, the host setting where axelite typically forms. If you start seeing zeolites, calcite, prehnite 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 axelite?+

Mohs hardness is 4.5-5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, pink, yellow.

Where is axelite found?+

Notable localities include Arsenatnaya fumarole, Kamchatka, Russia.

Is axelite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic, which is toxic if ingested or inhaled as dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid creating dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like axelite?+

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

What minerals are found with axelite?+

Axelite commonly co-occurs with Zeolites, Calcite, Prehnite, Quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does axelite form in?+

Axelite typically forms in basaltic cavities. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is axelite used for?+

Axelite is used in collector.

Find axelite on the map

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