Elasmochloite is a rare sodium copper bismuth sulfate, typically green. It is a sublimate on scoria around an active fumarole. It was first described from the Arsenatnaya fumarole, Kamchatka Peninsula, Far-Eastern Region, Russia.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Pale Green

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Elasmochloite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Pale Green
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this elasmochloite?

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Elasmochloite leaves pale green, Tolbachite leaves yellowish red; luster reads vitreous on Elasmochloite and pearly on Tolbachite.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Elasmochloite leaves pale green, Ponomarevite leaves orange-red.

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Often found alongside elasmochloite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₃Cu₆BiO₄(SO₄)₅
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 3.844 g/cm³
Colors: Green
Streak: Pale Green
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Granular Aggregates
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits in Volcanic Settings

Where rockhounds find elasmochloite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits in volcanic settings country, the host setting where elasmochloite typically forms. If you start seeing tolbachite, ponomarevite, tenorite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, granular aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify elasmochloite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is pale green. Common colors include green.

Where is elasmochloite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Is elasmochloite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains copper, 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 elasmochloite?+

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

What minerals are found with elasmochloite?+

Elasmochloite commonly co-occurs with Tolbachite, Ponomarevite, Tenorite, Sylvite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does elasmochloite form in?+

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

What is elasmochloite used for?+

Elasmochloite is used in collector.

Find elasmochloite on the map

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