Kochite is a rare calcium manganese zirconium silicate, typically pale brown. It is an accessory phase in nephline syenite in an alkaline complex. It was first described from material found in Denmark (Greenland).

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Kochite

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this kochite?

4-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 kochite with a known reference. Kochite sits at Mohs 5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
3
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: pale brown, colorless.
4
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: acicular, aggregates, lath.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside kochite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₂(MnZr)Na₃Ti(Si₂O₇)₂(OF)F₂
Mohs hardness: 5
Density: 3.32 g/cm³
Colors: Pale brown Colorless
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Acicular, aggregates, lath
Cleavage: Perfect {100}
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: An accessory phase in nephline syenite in an alkaline complex

Where rockhounds find kochite

Classic worldwide localities

Werner Bjerge alkaline complex, East Greenland (type locality)

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: An accessory phase in nephline syenite in an alkaline complex. If you start seeing nepheline, alkali feldspar, låvenite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, aggregates, lath. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kochite?+

Mohs hardness is 5. Luster: vitreous. Common colors include pale brown, colorless.

Where is kochite found?+

Notable localities include Werner Bjerge alkaline complex, East Greenland (type locality).

What rocks look like kochite?+

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

What minerals are found with kochite?+

Kochite commonly co-occurs with Nepheline, Alkali feldspar, Låvenite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kochite form in?+

Where it forms: An accessory phase in nephline syenite in an alkaline complex. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kochite used for?+

Kochite is used in collector.

Find kochite on the map

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