Kobokoboite is a rare hydrous aluminum phosphate mineral first discovered in the pegmatites of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It typically occurs as white, pearly, platy aggregates and is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors due to its extremely limited locality distribution.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Kobokoboite

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

Is this kobokoboite?

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 kobokoboite with a known reference. Kobokoboite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kobokoboite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kobokoboite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy aggregates, microcrystalline.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Wavellite

Mohs 3.5-4

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Kobokoboite and vitreous on Wavellite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Kobokoboite and waxy on Variscite.

Compare →

Often found alongside kobokoboite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Al₃(PO₄)₂(OH)₃·9H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.44 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Aggregates, Microcrystalline
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Granite Pegmatites
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kobokoboite

Classic worldwide localities

Kobokobo pegmatite, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Field-hunting tip

Look in granite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where kobokoboite typically forms. If you start seeing gormanite, fersmite, montebrasite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy aggregates, microcrystalline habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kobokoboite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is kobokoboite found?+

Notable localities include Kobokobo pegmatite, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

How much is kobokoboite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like kobokoboite?+

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

What minerals are found with kobokoboite?+

Kobokoboite commonly co-occurs with gormanite, fersmite, montebrasite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kobokoboite form in?+

Kobokoboite typically forms in granite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kobokoboite used for?+

Kobokoboite is used in collector.

Find kobokoboite on the map

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