Itacolumite is a porous, flexible variety of sandstone that contains grains of mica, which provide the internal slippage necessary for its characteristic flexibility. When thin slabs are supported at the ends, they can be noticeably bent by hand. It is primarily found in metamorphic regions and is famous for its rarity as a naturally flexible rock.

Hardness

6-7

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

sedimentaryuncommon

Itacolumite

Hardness: 6-7
Luster: Dull
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this itacolumite?

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 itacolumite with a known reference. Itacolumite sits at Mohs 6-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Itacolumite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Itacolumite typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, tan, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: massive.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads dull on Itacolumite and vitreous on Quartzite.

Compare →

Often found alongside itacolumite

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

All properties

Mohs hardness: 6-7
Density: 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Tan Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Decorative, Scientific
Host rock: Metamorphic Sedimentary
Typical price: $10-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find itacolumite

2 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Minas Gerais, Brazil
Delhi, India
North Carolina, USA
Georgia, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic sedimentary country — that is the host setting where itacolumite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, mica, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Georgia, North Carolina — start trip planning there.

Browse 2 U.S. spots for itacolumite →

Common questions

How do you identify itacolumite?+

Mohs hardness is 6-7. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, tan, gray.

Where is itacolumite found?+

Notable localities include Minas Gerais, Brazil; Delhi, India; North Carolina, USA; Georgia, USA.

Can I find itacolumite in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 2 itacolumite rockhounding spots across 2 U.S. states — the top states are Georgia, North Carolina.

How much is itacolumite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like itacolumite?+

Itacolumite is most often confused with Sandstone, Quartzite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with itacolumite?+

Itacolumite commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Mica, Hematite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does itacolumite form in?+

Itacolumite typically forms in metamorphic sedimentary. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is itacolumite used for?+

Itacolumite is used in collector, decorative, scientific.

Find itacolumite on the map

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