Caryochroite is a rare phyllosilicate mineral typically found in the alkaline rock environments of the Kola Peninsula. It often occurs as small, brownish, platy crystals that resemble chlorite but can be distinguished through analytical testing of its unique sodium and strontium content.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Light Brown

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Caryochroite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Light Brown
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this caryochroite?

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 caryochroite with a known reference. Caryochroite sits at Mohs 3-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Caryochroite leaves a light brown streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Caryochroite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular, massive.

Often found alongside caryochroite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Na,Sr,K)₂(Fe³⁺,Mn³⁺,Mg)₂Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.9-3.0 g/cm³
Colors: Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: Light Brown
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Granular, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Complexes
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find caryochroite

Classic worldwide localities

Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where caryochroite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, nepheline, eudialyte in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify caryochroite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is light brown. Common colors include brown, reddish-brown.

Where is caryochroite found?+

Notable localities include Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is caryochroite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with caryochroite?+

Caryochroite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Nepheline, Eudialyte, Microcline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does caryochroite form in?+

Caryochroite typically forms in alkaline igneous complexes. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is caryochroite used for?+

Caryochroite is used in collector.

Find caryochroite on the map

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