Hydroxykenopyrochlore is a rare member of the pyrochlore group characterized by its cubic octahedral habit and typical brownish-yellow hues. It is primarily found in alkaline igneous environments and is of interest to advanced mineral collectors due to its complex chemical composition and associated radioactivity.

Hardness

5-5.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

Yellowish-white

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrarePyrochlore Group family

Hydroxykenopyrochlore

Hardness: 5-5.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: Yellowish-white
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this hydroxykenopyrochlore?

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 hydroxykenopyrochlore with a known reference. Hydroxykenopyrochlore sits at Mohs 5-5.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Hydroxykenopyrochlore leaves a yellowish-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Hydroxykenopyrochlore typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: octahedral crystals.

Often found alongside hydroxykenopyrochlore

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

All properties

Chemical formula: □CaNb₂O₆(OH)
Mohs hardness: 5-5.5
Density: 4.2-4.5 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: Yellowish-white
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Octahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find hydroxykenopyrochlore

Classic worldwide localities

Brezina, Czech Republic
Langesundsfjord, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline pegmatites country — that is the host setting where hydroxykenopyrochlore typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, feldspar, zircon in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a octahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify hydroxykenopyrochlore?+

Mohs hardness is 5-5.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is yellowish-white. Common colors include yellow, brown, reddish-brown.

Where is hydroxykenopyrochlore found?+

Notable localities include Brezina, Czech Republic; Langesundsfjord, Norway.

How much is hydroxykenopyrochlore 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.

Is hydroxykenopyrochlore safe to handle?+

This mineral is radioactive. It contains toxic constituents. Contains thorium and uranium, which are radioactive. Handle with care, store away from living spaces, and wash hands thoroughly after handling specimens. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What minerals are found with hydroxykenopyrochlore?+

Hydroxykenopyrochlore commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Feldspar, Zircon, Nepheline. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does hydroxykenopyrochlore form in?+

Hydroxykenopyrochlore typically forms in alkaline pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is hydroxykenopyrochlore used for?+

Hydroxykenopyrochlore is used in collector.

Find hydroxykenopyrochlore on the map

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