Kinoshitalite is a rare barium-rich mica that typically forms as small, platy, micaceous crystals in manganese-rich metamorphic environments. It is highly valued by mineral collectors for its unique chemistry and association with rare manganese minerals. Collectors should look for its characteristic yellowish to brownish color and perfect micaceous cleavage in skarn assemblages.

Hardness

2.5-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareMica Group family

Kinoshitalite

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

Is this kinoshitalite?

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 kinoshitalite with a known reference. Kinoshitalite 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. Kinoshitalite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kinoshitalite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, orange, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy, micaceous, tabular.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Kinoshitalite and vitreous on Oxykinoshitalite.

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Often found alongside kinoshitalite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: (Ba,K)(Mg,Mn,Al)₃(Al,Si,Fe)₄O₁₀(OH,F)₂
Mohs hardness: 2.5-3
Density: 3.31 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Orange Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy, Micaceous, Tabular
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Manganese-rich Skarns
Typical price: $20-150 for small specimens

Where rockhounds find kinoshitalite

Classic worldwide localities

Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Långban, Sweden
Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Big Creek, California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic manganese-rich skarns country — that is the host setting where kinoshitalite typically forms. If you start seeing hausmannite, barite, celsian in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy, micaceous, tabular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kinoshitalite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, orange, colorless.

Where is kinoshitalite found?+

Notable localities include Kyoto Prefecture, Japan; Långban, Sweden; Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Big Creek, California, USA.

How much is kinoshitalite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-150 for small specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like kinoshitalite?+

Kinoshitalite is most often confused with Phlogopite, Biotite, Oxykinoshitalite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kinoshitalite?+

Kinoshitalite commonly co-occurs with Hausmannite, Barite, Celsian, Bustamite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kinoshitalite form in?+

Kinoshitalite typically forms in metamorphic manganese-rich skarns. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kinoshitalite used for?+

Kinoshitalite is used in collector.

Find kinoshitalite on the map

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