Kolarite is an exceptionally rare lead telluride chloride mineral discovered in the gold-bearing quartz veins of India's Kolar Gold Fields. It typically presents as small yellow platy crystals or granular masses and is a significant find for advanced mineral collectors focusing on tellurides.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Adamantine

Streak

Yellow

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Kolarite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Adamantine
Streak: Yellow
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this kolarite?

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 kolarite with a known reference. Kolarite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kolarite leaves a yellow streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kolarite typically shows a adamantine luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, granular.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Matlockite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kolarite leaves yellow, Matlockite leaves white.

How to tell apart: Streak differs — Kolarite leaves yellow, Penfieldite leaves white.

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Often found alongside kolarite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Pb₂TeCl₂
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 7.3 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brownish-yellow
Streak: Yellow
Luster: Adamantine
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Tetragonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Granular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Gold-bearing Quartz Veins
Typical price: Expensive due to extreme rarity

Where rockhounds find kolarite

Classic worldwide localities

Kolar Gold Fields, India

Field-hunting tip

Look in gold-bearing quartz veins country — that is the host setting where kolarite typically forms. If you start seeing gold, quartz, petzite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kolarite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a adamantine luster. The streak is yellow. Common colors include yellow, brownish-yellow.

Where is kolarite found?+

Notable localities include Kolar Gold Fields, India.

How much is kolarite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of Expensive due to extreme rarity. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is kolarite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains lead and tellurium; wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid inhaling dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like kolarite?+

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

What minerals are found with kolarite?+

Kolarite commonly co-occurs with Gold, Quartz, Petzite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kolarite form in?+

Kolarite typically forms in gold-bearing quartz veins. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kolarite used for?+

Kolarite is used in collector.

Find kolarite on the map

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