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

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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 — that is 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.