Klöchite is a rare iron potassium zinc silicate, typically blue. It occurs in vugs in a SiO2-rich xenolith from a nepheline basanite quarry. It was first described from Klöch volcano, Bad Radkersburg district, Styria, Austria.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTourmaline Supergroup family

Klöchite

Hardness: 7
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this klöchite?

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 klöchite with a known reference. Klöchite sits at Mohs 7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Klöchite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Klöchite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: blue.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside klöchite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Fe²⁺Fe³⁺)☐₂KZn₃(Si₁₂O₃₀)
Mohs hardness: 7
Density: 3.016 g/cm³
Colors: Blue
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Nephelinite

Where rockhounds find klöchite

Classic worldwide localities

Klöch, Styria, Austria

Field-hunting tip

Look in nephelinite country, the host setting where klöchite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, pyroxene, sanidine 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

How do you identify klöchite?+

Mohs hardness is 7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include blue.

Where is klöchite found?+

Notable localities include Klöch, Styria, Austria.

What rocks look like klöchite?+

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

What minerals are found with klöchite?+

Klöchite commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Pyroxene, Sanidine. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does klöchite form in?+

Klöchite typically forms in nephelinite. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is klöchite used for?+

Klöchite is used in collector.

Find klöchite on the map

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