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?
2-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.
- 2Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: inclusions, platy.
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
- 2.45 g/cm³
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Inclusions, platy
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- As inclusions in clinopyroxene and garnet within ultrahigh-grade granitic and biotite gneiss (estimated 900-1000 o C and 5.8-6.5 GPa)
Where rockhounds find kokchetavite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kumdy-Kol, Kokchetav Massif, northern Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: As inclusions in clinopyroxene and garnet within ultrahigh-grade granitic and biotite gneiss (estimated 900-1000 o C and 5.8-6.5 GPa). If you start seeing diopside, grossular-rich garnet, phengite mica in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: inclusions, platy. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kokchetavite?+
Where is kokchetavite found?+
What rocks look like kokchetavite?+
What minerals are found with kokchetavite?+
What kind of rock does kokchetavite form in?+
What is kokchetavite used for?+
Find kokchetavite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
