Kolfanite is a rare iron-rich member of the garnet group typically found in contact metamorphic skarn zones. It is characterized by its distinct brownish-yellow dodecahedral crystals and is highly prized by mineral collectors specializing in rare garnet species.

Hardness

6.5-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Kolfanite

Hardness: 6.5-7.5
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this kolfanite?

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 kolfanite with a known reference. Kolfanite sits at Mohs 6.5-7.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kolfanite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kolfanite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: flattened crystals, compact radiating nodules.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Andradite

Mohs 6.5-7.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Kolfanite and adamantine to resinous to dull on Andradite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads adamantine on Kolfanite and vitreous on Grossularite Garnet.

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Often found alongside kolfanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Fe³⁺₂(SiO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7.5
Density: 3.5-3.8 g/cm³
Colors: Red
Streak: White
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Flattened Crystals, Compact Radiating Nodules
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn Deposits

Where rockhounds find kolfanite

Classic worldwide localities

Mt. Vasin-Myl'k, Voron'i massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn deposits country, the host setting where kolfanite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a flattened crystals, compact radiating nodules habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kolfanite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7.5. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is white. Common colors include red.

Where is kolfanite found?+

Notable localities include Mt. Vasin-Myl'k, Voron'i massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

What rocks look like kolfanite?+

Kolfanite is most often confused with Andradite, Grossularite Garnet. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kolfanite?+

Kolfanite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Diopside, Magnetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kolfanite form in?+

Kolfanite typically forms in skarn deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kolfanite used for?+

Kolfanite is used in collector.

Find kolfanite on the map

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