Kokchetavite is an extremely rare high-pressure polymorph of potassium feldspar composition that structurally mimics a mica. It is primarily found as microscopic inclusions or tiny plates within ultra-high-pressure metamorphic terranes, most notably at the Kumdy-Kol diamond deposit in Kazakhstan. Collectors prize it for its unique geological history as a marker of subduction to mantle depths.
Is this kokchetavite?
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 kokchetavite with a known reference. Kokchetavite sits at Mohs 2.5-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kokchetavite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kokchetavite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, pale yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, flakes.
Often confused with
Kokchetavite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kokchetavite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kokchetavite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KAlSi₃O₈
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5-3
- Density
- 2.79 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals, Flakes
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ultra-high-pressure Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kokchetavite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kumdy-Kol diamond deposit, Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Look in ultra-high-pressure metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where kokchetavite typically forms. If you start seeing diamond, graphite, garnet in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, flakes habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kokchetavite?+
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How much is kokchetavite worth?+
What rocks look like kokchetavite?+
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Find kokchetavite on the map
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