Kochsándorite is a very rare hydrated magnesium aluminum carbonate mineral typically found in sedimentary deposits. It usually appears as white, earthy, or microcrystalline crusts and is challenging to distinguish from other similar white powdery minerals without chemical analysis.
Is this kochsándorite?
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 kochsándorite with a known reference. Kochsándorite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kochsándorite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kochsándorite typically shows a dull luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: microcrystalline aggregates, earthy.
Often confused with
Kochsándorite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kochsándorite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kochsándorite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- MgAl₂(CO₃)₄(OH)₂·12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 1.79 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Microcrystalline Aggregates, Earthy
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Environments
- Typical price
- $50-200 for small research specimens
Where rockhounds find kochsándorite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hungary
- Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary environments country — that is the host setting where kochsándorite typically forms. If you start seeing gypsum, dolomite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a microcrystalline aggregates, earthy habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kochsándorite on the map
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