Dmisokolovite is an extremely rare copper-aluminum arsenate mineral first discovered in the volcanic fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Russia. It typically appears as small, bright emerald-green to light green, tabular crystals associated with other rare secondary volcanic minerals.

Hardness

2-2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light Green

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Dmisokolovite

Hardness: 2-2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light Green
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this dmisokolovite?

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 dmisokolovite with a known reference. Dmisokolovite sits at Mohs 2-2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Dmisokolovite leaves a light green streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Dmisokolovite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: bright emerald-green, light green.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Lammerite

Mohs 3.5

How to tell apart: Lammerite is the harder of the two (Mohs 3.5 vs. 2-2.5).

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Dmisokolovite leaves light green, Popovite leaves white.

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Often found alongside dmisokolovite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Cu₆AlAsO₄(SO₄)(OH)₆·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-2.5
Density: 4.15 g/cm³
Colors: Bright Emerald-green Light Green
Streak: Light Green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: One Imperfect Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits

Where rockhounds find dmisokolovite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country, the host setting where dmisokolovite typically forms. If you start seeing lammerite, popovite, tenorite 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 dmisokolovite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is light green. Common colors include bright emerald-green, light green.

Where is dmisokolovite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Is dmisokolovite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains arsenic and copper; avoid ingestion, inhalation of dust, and wash hands thoroughly after handling. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like dmisokolovite?+

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

What minerals are found with dmisokolovite?+

Dmisokolovite commonly co-occurs with Lammerite, Popovite, Tenorite, Anglesite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does dmisokolovite form in?+

Dmisokolovite typically forms in fumarolic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is dmisokolovite used for?+

Dmisokolovite is used in collector.

Find dmisokolovite on the map

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