Hydroxykenomicrolite is a rare member of the microlite group characterized by a deficiency in the A-site and a hydroxyl-dominant anion. It is typically found as small, octahedral crystals in highly evolved granitic pegmatites, often associated with other rare earth minerals.
Is this hydroxykenomicrolite?
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 hydroxykenomicrolite with a known reference. Hydroxykenomicrolite sits at Mohs ~5, 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: adamantine to vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, gray, yellow-orange, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.
Often confused with
Hydroxykenomicrolite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside hydroxykenomicrolite
Minerals reported to co-occur with hydroxykenomicrolite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (□,Na,Sb³⁺)₂Ta₂O₆(OH)
- Mohs hardness
- ~5
- Density
- 6.4-6.6 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Adamantine to vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Cubic
- Crystal habit
- Octahedral crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- A rare accessory in some highly fractionated granite pegmatites
Where rockhounds find hydroxykenomicrolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Leshaia pegmatite, Vuoriyarvi carbonatite complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Dobrá Voda pegmatite, Velké Meziříčí, Czech Republic
- Tanco pegmatite, Bernic Lake, Manitoba, Canada
- Mt. Holland, Western Australia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: A rare accessory in some highly fractionated granite pegmatites. If you start seeing simpsonite, stibiotantalite, microlite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: octahedral crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify hydroxykenomicrolite?+
Where is hydroxykenomicrolite found?+
Is hydroxykenomicrolite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like hydroxykenomicrolite?+
What minerals are found with hydroxykenomicrolite?+
What kind of rock does hydroxykenomicrolite form in?+
What is hydroxykenomicrolite used for?+
Find hydroxykenomicrolite on the map
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