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.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareOlivine Group family

Kirschsteinite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this kirschsteinite?

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 kirschsteinite with a known reference. Kirschsteinite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kirschsteinite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kirschsteinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellowish-green, brownish, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal 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.

mineral

Monticellite

Mohs 5

How to tell apart: Kirschsteinite is noticeably harder (Mohs 6 vs. 5).

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
Colors: Yellowish-green Brownish Colorless
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, 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?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellowish-green, brownish, colorless.

Where is kirschsteinite found?+

Notable localities include Belgian Congo; Russia; USA; Germany.

How much is kirschsteinite worth?+

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

What rocks look like kirschsteinite?+

Kirschsteinite is most often confused with Monticellite, Fayalite, Forsterite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kirschsteinite?+

Kirschsteinite commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Melilite, Magnetite, Perovskite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kirschsteinite form in?+

Kirschsteinite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks, kimberlites, carbonatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kirschsteinite used for?+

Kirschsteinite is used in collector.

Find kirschsteinite on the map

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