Eleomelanite is a rare potassium lead copper sulfate, typically black. It is a sublimate at an active volcanic fumarole. It was first described from the Arsenatnaya fumarole, Tolbachik Volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.
Is this eleomelanite?
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 eleomelanite with a known reference. Eleomelanite sits at Mohs 5-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Eleomelanite leaves a dark green streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Eleomelanite typically shows a submetallic luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: massive.
Often confused with
Eleomelanite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Eleomelanite leaves dark green, Manaccanite leaves black.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Eleomelanite leaves dark green, Magnetite leaves black; luster reads submetallic on Eleomelanite and metallic to submetallic to dull on Magnetite.
Often found alongside eleomelanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with eleomelanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (K₂Pb)Cu₄O₂(SO₄)₄
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.790 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Dark Green
- Luster
- Submetallic
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Massive
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Igneous Rocks
Where rockhounds find eleomelanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Arsenatnaya fumarole, Kamchatka, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in igneous rocks country, the host setting where eleomelanite typically forms. If you start seeing ilmenite, magnetite, pyroxene in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify eleomelanite?+
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Is eleomelanite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like eleomelanite?+
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Find eleomelanite on the map
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