Kochite is a rare calcium manganese zirconium silicate, typically pale brown. It is an accessory phase in nephline syenite in an alkaline complex. It was first described from material found in Denmark (Greenland).
Is this kochite?
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 kochite with a known reference. Kochite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kochite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kochite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pale brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Kochite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kochite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kochite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₂(MnZr)Na₃Ti(Si₂O₇)₂(OF)F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5
- Density
- 3.32 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect {100}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Hydrothermal Veins in Igneous Rocks
Where rockhounds find kochite
Classic worldwide localities
- material found in Denmark (Greenland)
Field-hunting tip
Look in hydrothermal veins in igneous rocks country, the host setting where kochite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, zeolites 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 kochite?+
Where is kochite found?+
What rocks look like kochite?+
What minerals are found with kochite?+
What kind of rock does kochite form in?+
What is kochite used for?+
Find kochite on the map
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