Kaskasite is a rare layered sulfide mineral found specifically in the hyperalkaline pegmatites of the Khibiny Massif. Collectors typically look for its distinct iron black, platy crystal aggregates that are often found associated with molybdenum-bearing minerals.
Is this kaskasite?
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 kaskasite with a known reference. Kaskasite sits at Mohs ~1, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: black.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: metallic.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: iron black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Kaskasite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kaskasite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kaskasite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Mo,Nb)S₂·(Mg₁-xAlx)(OH)₂+x
- Mohs hardness
- ~1
- Density
- 3.83 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Black
- Luster
- Metallic
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- alkaline igneous pegmatites
Where rockhounds find kaskasite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mt. Kaskasnyunchorr, Khibiny alkaline complex, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: alkaline igneous pegmatites. If you start seeing orthoclase, anorthoclase, nepheline 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 kaskasite?+
Where is kaskasite found?+
What rocks look like kaskasite?+
What minerals are found with kaskasite?+
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Find kaskasite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
