Vladkuzminite

Chemical formula: K₄Cu²⁺Zn²⁺₃(As⁵⁺O₄)₄

Vladkuzminite is an extremely rare potassium, copper, and zinc arsenate, forming tiny, tabular crystals of an intensely green color.

## Characteristics Vladkuzminite is a very rare mineral from the arsenate group, characterized by a complex chemical composition including potassium, copper, and zinc. It occurs as very small, thin, tabular crystals, rarely exceeding 0.2 mm. These crystals often form rosette-like or spherulitic aggregates. Its most distinctive visual feature is its vivid, emerald-green color. ## Physical Properties Vladkuzminite crystals exhibit a vitreous luster. Due to the small size of the crystals, many physical properties, such as hardness or density, have not been precisely determined. The mineral is transparent. ## Colors and Varieties This mineral occurs in a uniform, emerald-green color. No color varieties or commercial forms are known. ## History and Name Vladkuzminite was discovered in fumarolic products at Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka, Russia. It was approved as a new mineral species by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA) in 2023 (IMA2023-085). The name honors Vladimir Kuzmin (born 1957), a Russian mineral collector from Nizhny Tagil, specializing in minerals from Tolbachik volcano.

Properties

Luster
Vitreous
Streak
Green
Cleavage
Perfect on {001}
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Monoclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Identification of vladkuzminite is primarily based on its unique appearance and geological context. Key features include its emerald-green color, the form of small, tabular crystals forming rosette aggregates, and its occurrence in volcanic exhalation products. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals It can be confused with other green arsenates from the same locality, such as lammerite or eriocalcite. Final differentiation requires advanced analytical methods, such as Raman spectroscopy or chemical analysis (EDS), due to visual similarity and co-occurrence. ## Crystal Forms Vladkuzminite forms very thin, tabular crystals with a hexagonal or pseudohexagonal outline. These crystals most often occur as radial, rosette-like, or spherulitic aggregates on the surface of the host rock.

Geological environment

## Genesis Vladkuzminite is a mineral of volcanic origin, crystallizing from gases (exhalations) rich in arsenic, copper, zinc, and potassium. It forms in active fumarole zones, where hot volcanic gases react with rocks and deposit new mineral phases at temperatures of approximately 150-250°C. ## Mineral Associations This mineral co-occurs with other rare arsenates and sulfates formed under similar conditions. The most common associated minerals include: tenorite, hematite, johillerite, eriocalcite, lammerite, badalovite, bradaczekite, and svabite. ## Localities The only confirmed locality of vladkuzminite in the world is its type locality – Arsenatnaya fumarole, located on the second cinder cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption (1975-1976) on Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The quality of vladkuzminite specimens is assessed based on the size and development of crystal aggregates and their abundance on the rock matrix. The most desirable specimens are those with clearly formed, rosette-like clusters of an intensely green color, contrasting with the substrate. Due to the microscopic size of the crystals, the aesthetics of the entire cluster are crucial. ## Popular Localities The only source of vladkuzminite specimens is the Arsenatnaya fumarole on Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka. Specimens from this locality are highly prized by collectors specializing in fumarolic minerals and microminerals.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Due to its extreme rarity, small size, and crystal delicacy, mechanical cleaning is not recommended. Any attempts at cleaning should be limited to very careful use of compressed air to remove dust. ## What to Avoid Avoid contact with water, acids, and other chemicals, as it is an arsenate and may react. Specimens should be protected from vibrations, shocks, and high temperatures. Due to the presence of arsenic, avoid inhaling dust and wash hands after handling the mineral. ## Storage Vladkuzminite specimens should only be stored in specialized, sealed "micromount" containers to protect them from mechanical damage and dust. Store in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.

External references

Sources

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