Kochite is an extremely rare zeolite mineral found primarily in specific hydrothermal deposits in Japan. It typically occurs as small, clear tabular crystals and is highly prized by advanced mineral collectors for its scarcity.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Kochite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

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Is this kochite?

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 kochite with a known reference. Kochite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kochite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kochite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Analcite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5-4).

How to tell apart: Natrolite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5-4).

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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: Na₂Al₂Si₂O₈·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 2.95 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Hydrothermal Veins in Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kochite

Classic worldwide localities

Japan

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal veins in igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where kochite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, zeolites in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kochite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is kochite found?+

Notable localities include Japan.

How much is kochite 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 kochite?+

Kochite is most often confused with Analcite, 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 Quartz, Calcite, Zeolites. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kochite form in?+

Kochite typically forms in hydrothermal veins in igneous rocks. 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.