Klöchite is a rare member of the tourmaline group, chemically distinct for being an iron-dominant species found in alkaline volcanic rocks. It typically forms as small, prismatic black to dark brown crystals embedded within volcanic matrices like nephelinite. It is primarily sought after by advanced mineral collectors and those interested in the tourmaline species classification.
Is this klöchite?
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 klöchite with a known reference. Klöchite sits at Mohs 7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Klöchite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Klöchite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: dark brown, black.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Klöchite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside klöchite
Minerals reported to co-occur with klöchite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na(Fe²⁺₃)Al₆(Si₆O₁₈)(BO₃)₃(OH)₃O
- Mohs hardness
- 7
- Density
- 3.16 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Nephelinite
- Typical price
- $50-500 thumbnail specimens
Where rockhounds find klöchite
Classic worldwide localities
- Klöch, Styria, Austria
Field-hunting tip
Look in nephelinite country — that is the host setting where klöchite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, pyroxene, sanidine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find klöchite on the map
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