Borisenkoite is a rare copper vanadate that forms red-brown prismatic crystals. It is a sublimate at an active volcanic fumarole. It was first described from the Yadovitaya fumarole, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.
Is this borisenkoite?
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 borisenkoite with a known reference. Borisenkoite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Borisenkoite leaves a yellowish brown streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Borisenkoite typically shows a greasy to adamantine luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red-brown, golden-brown, brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Borisenkoite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Borisenkoite leaves yellowish brown, Lammerite leaves light green; luster reads greasy to adamantine on Borisenkoite and vitreous on Lammerite.
How to tell apart: Borisenkoite is noticeably harder (Mohs 4 vs. 3); luster reads greasy to adamantine on Borisenkoite and adamantine on Dolerophanite.
Often found alongside borisenkoite
Minerals reported to co-occur with borisenkoite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Cu₃(VO₄)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 4.69 g/cm³
- Streak
- Yellowish Brown
- Luster
- Greasy to Adamantine
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumarolic Deposits
Where rockhounds find borisenkoite
Classic worldwide localities
- Tolbachik volcano (Kamchatka, Russia)
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumarolic deposits country, the host setting where borisenkoite typically forms. If you start seeing lammerite, dolerophanite, tenorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find borisenkoite on the map
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