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.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareTobermorite Group family

Kenotobermorite

Hardness: 2.5-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this kenotobermorite?

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 kenotobermorite with a known reference. Kenotobermorite sits at Mohs 2.5-3, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: pearly.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

mineral

Tobermorite

Mohs 2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Kenotobermorite and vitreous, silky in fibrous aggregates on Tobermorite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Kenotobermorite and vitreous to pearly on Gyrolite.

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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: Ca₄Si₆O₁₅(OH)₂·5H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Colors: White Colorless
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

Where rockhounds find kenotobermorite

Classic worldwide localities

Keno, Japan
Giv'at Hamoreh, Israel
Kilchoan, Scotland

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: metamorphic zones, contact metasomatic rocks. If you start seeing calcite, ettringite, afwillite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: platy crystals, fibrous, aggregates. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kenotobermorite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. Luster: pearly. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is kenotobermorite found?+

Notable localities include Keno, Japan; Giv'at Hamoreh, Israel; Kilchoan, Scotland.

What rocks look like kenotobermorite?+

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

What minerals are found with kenotobermorite?+

Kenotobermorite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Ettringite, Afwillite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kenotobermorite form in?+

Where it forms: metamorphic zones, contact metasomatic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kenotobermorite used for?+

Kenotobermorite is used in collector.

Find kenotobermorite on the map

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