Kalborsite is a rare phyllosilicate mineral found primarily in alkaline pegmatites and nepheline syenites. Collectors look for its characteristic tetragonal prismatic crystals that often form in tight associations with other rare-earth minerals in the Kola Peninsula regions.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

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Kalborsite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this kalborsite?

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 kalborsite with a known reference. Kalborsite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kalborsite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kalborsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Quartz

Mohs 7

How to tell apart: Quartz is the harder of the two (Mohs 7 vs. 6).

Often found alongside kalborsite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₆Al₄Be₂Si₆O₂₀(OH)₄F
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 2.49 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: Poor
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kalborsite

Classic worldwide localities

Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where kalborsite typically forms. If you start seeing microcline, aegirine, nepheline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kalborsite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is kalborsite found?+

Notable localities include Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia; Lovozero Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

How much is kalborsite 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 kalborsite?+

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

What minerals are found with kalborsite?+

Kalborsite commonly co-occurs with Microcline, Aegirine, Nepheline, Eudialyte. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kalborsite form in?+

Kalborsite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kalborsite used for?+

Kalborsite is used in collector.

Find kalborsite on the map

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