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.
Is this fluorokinoshitalite?
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 fluorokinoshitalite with a known reference. Fluorokinoshitalite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: pearly.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Fluorokinoshitalite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Fluorokinoshitalite and splendent to submetallic, vitreous, pearly on cleavage on Biotite.
How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Fluorokinoshitalite leaves white, Kinoshitalite leaves yellow white; luster reads pearly on Fluorokinoshitalite and vitreous on Kinoshitalite.
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
- BaMg₃Al₂Si₂O₁₀F₂
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 3.235 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In metamorphosed carbonate rocks associated with a large REE-Fe-Nb deposit
Where rockhounds find fluorokinoshitalite
Classic worldwide localities
- South ore body, East Mine, Bayan Obo, Inner Mongolia, China
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In metamorphosed carbonate rocks associated with a large REE-Fe-Nb deposit. If you start seeing phlogopite, yangzhumingite, bastnasite- in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify fluorokinoshitalite?+
Where is fluorokinoshitalite found?+
What rocks look like fluorokinoshitalite?+
What minerals are found with fluorokinoshitalite?+
What kind of rock does fluorokinoshitalite form in?+
What is fluorokinoshitalite used for?+
Find fluorokinoshitalite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
