Kirschsteinite is a rare calcium-iron silicate member of the olivine group that typically occurs in alkalic igneous rocks. It is most often found as microscopic inclusions or grains, making high-quality visible specimens highly sought after by collectors.
Is this kirschsteinite?
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 kirschsteinite with a known reference. Kirschsteinite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kirschsteinite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kirschsteinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellowish-green, brownish, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: granular, prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Kirschsteinite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kirschsteinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kirschsteinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- CaFeSiO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 3.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Imperfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Kimberlites, Carbonatites
- Typical price
- $20-150 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kirschsteinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Belgian Congo
- Russia
- USA
- Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, kimberlites, carbonatites country — that is the host setting where kirschsteinite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, melilite, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kirschsteinite?+
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What rocks look like kirschsteinite?+
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Find kirschsteinite on the map
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