Belakovskiite is a rare sulfate-selenate mineral discovered in the oxidized zones of burning coal dumps in the Chelyabinsk coal basin of Russia. It typically occurs as small, delicate, pale yellow tabular crystals formed by complex chemical reactions in anthropogenic settings. Due to its extreme rarity and specific formation conditions, it is highly sought after by advanced systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Belakovskiite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this belakovskiite?

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 belakovskiite with a known reference. Belakovskiite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale yellowish green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Gypsum

Mohs 1.5-2

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Belakovskiite and subvitreous, pearly on {010} cleavages, silky if fibrous on Gypsum.

Often found alongside belakovskiite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₇(UO₂)(SO₄)₄(SO₃OH)(H₂O)₃
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.953 g/cm³
Colors: Pale yellowish green
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: A secondary efflorescence on sandstone in the oxidation zone of a Colorado Plateau type uraninite deposit

Where rockhounds find belakovskiite

Classic worldwide localities

Blue Lizard Mine, Red Canyon, White Canyon district, San Juan Co., Utah, USA

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: A secondary efflorescence on sandstone in the oxidation zone of a Colorado Plateau type uraninite deposit. If you start seeing blödite, ferrinatrite, kröhnkite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify belakovskiite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. Luster: vitreous. The streak is white. Common colors include pale yellowish green.

Where is belakovskiite found?+

Notable localities include Blue Lizard Mine, Red Canyon, White Canyon district, San Juan Co., Utah, USA.

Is belakovskiite safe to handle?+

Belakovskiite contains uranium or thorium and calls for real care. Contains uranium; handle with gloves, avoid inhaling dust, wash hands thoroughly, and store away from other specimens.

What rocks look like belakovskiite?+

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

What minerals are found with belakovskiite?+

Belakovskiite commonly co-occurs with Blödite, Ferrinatrite, Kröhnkite, Meisserite, Metavoltine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does belakovskiite form in?+

Where it forms: A secondary efflorescence on sandstone in the oxidation zone of a Colorado Plateau type uraninite deposit. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is belakovskiite used for?+

Belakovskiite is used in collector.

Find belakovskiite on the map

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