Fluorokinoshitalite is a rare barium-rich mica that typically forms in metamorphosed limestone and skarn deposits. Collectors should look for its characteristic platy, mica-like morphology, often appearing in yellow-to-brown tones that distinguish it from common biotite.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMica Group family

Fluorokinoshitalite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this fluorokinoshitalite?

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 fluorokinoshitalite with a known reference. Fluorokinoshitalite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fluorokinoshitalite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Fluorokinoshitalite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside fluorokinoshitalite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ba,K)(Mg,Mn,Al)₃(Si,Al,Fe)₄O₁₀(F,OH)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 3.0-3.3 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown White
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphosed Carbonate Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find fluorokinoshitalite

Classic worldwide localities

Kapinga, Sweden
Jakobsberg, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphosed carbonate rocks country, the host setting where fluorokinoshitalite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, andradite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify fluorokinoshitalite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, white.

Where is fluorokinoshitalite found?+

Notable localities include Kapinga, Sweden; Jakobsberg, Sweden.

How much is fluorokinoshitalite 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 rocks look like fluorokinoshitalite?+

Fluorokinoshitalite is most often confused with Phlogopite, Biotite, Kinoshitalite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with fluorokinoshitalite?+

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

What kind of rock does fluorokinoshitalite form in?+

Fluorokinoshitalite typically forms in metamorphosed carbonate rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is fluorokinoshitalite used for?+

Fluorokinoshitalite is used in collector.

Find fluorokinoshitalite on the map

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