Kenotobermorite is a rare calcium silicate hydrate mineral belonging to the tobermorite group, primarily found in metamorphosed limestone deposits. It is typically identified by its delicate platy or fibrous habit and its characteristic association with other high-calcium secondary minerals in contact metamorphic environments.
Is this kenotobermorite?
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 kenotobermorite with a known reference. Kenotobermorite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kenotobermorite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kenotobermorite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: platy crystals, fibrous, aggregates.
Often confused with
Kenotobermorite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kenotobermorite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kenotobermorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Ca₅Si₆O₁₆(OH)₂·4H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Fibrous, Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Zones, Contact Metasomatic Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-100 thumbnail
Where rockhounds find kenotobermorite
Classic worldwide localities
- Keno, Japan
- Giv'at Hamoreh, Israel
- Kilchoan, Scotland
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic zones, contact metasomatic rocks country — that is the host setting where kenotobermorite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, ettringite, afwillite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, fibrous, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kenotobermorite?+
Where is kenotobermorite found?+
How much is kenotobermorite worth?+
What rocks look like kenotobermorite?+
What minerals are found with kenotobermorite?+
What kind of rock does kenotobermorite form in?+
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Find kenotobermorite on the map
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