Badalovite is a rare sodium magnesium iron arsenate that forms obliquely terminated prismatic crystals. It is a sublimate at an active volcanic fumarole. It was first described from the Arsenatnaya fumarole, Tolbachik Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Hardness

7-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Badalovite

Hardness: 7-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this badalovite?

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 badalovite with a known reference. Badalovite sits at Mohs 7-7.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Badalovite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Badalovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale green, green, greenish gray, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: obliquely terminated prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Badalovite and adamantine to resinous to dull on Andradite.

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Often found alongside badalovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaNaMg(MgFe³⁺)(AsO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 7-7.5
Density: 4.016 g/cm³
Colors: Pale Green Green Greenish Gray Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Obliquely Terminated Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Mineralogical Research
Host rock: Metasomatic Rocks

Where rockhounds find badalovite

Classic worldwide localities

Arsenatnaya fumarole, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in metasomatic rocks country, the host setting where badalovite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, quartz, vanadiferous minerals in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a obliquely terminated prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify badalovite?+

Mohs hardness is 7-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include pale green, green, greenish gray, gray.

Where is badalovite found?+

Notable localities include Arsenatnaya fumarole, Kamchatka, Russia.

Is badalovite 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 badalovite?+

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

What minerals are found with badalovite?+

Badalovite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Quartz, Vanadiferous minerals. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does badalovite form in?+

Badalovite typically forms in metasomatic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is badalovite used for?+

Badalovite is used in collector, mineralogical research.

Find badalovite on the map

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