Kolfanite is a rare iron-rich member of the garnet group typically found in contact metamorphic skarn zones. It is characterized by its distinct brownish-yellow dodecahedral crystals and is highly prized by mineral collectors specializing in rare garnet species.

Hardness

6.5-7.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareGarnet Group family

Kolfanite

Hardness: 6.5-7.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this kolfanite?

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 kolfanite with a known reference. Kolfanite sits at Mohs 6.5-7.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kolfanite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kolfanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, brown, reddish-brown.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: isometric. Typical habit: dodecahedral crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside kolfanite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Ca₃Fe³⁺₂(SiO₄)₃
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7.5
Density: 3.5-3.8 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow Brown Reddish-brown
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Isometric
Crystal habit: Dodecahedral Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Skarn Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kolfanite

Classic worldwide localities

Kolfanite site (Sweden)
Nordmark, Sweden

Field-hunting tip

Look in skarn deposits country — that is the host setting where kolfanite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, diopside, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a dodecahedral crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kolfanite?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, brown, reddish-brown.

Where is kolfanite found?+

Notable localities include Kolfanite site (Sweden); Nordmark, Sweden.

How much is kolfanite 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 kolfanite?+

Kolfanite is most often confused with Andradite, Grossularite Garnet. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kolfanite?+

Kolfanite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Diopside, Magnetite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kolfanite form in?+

Kolfanite typically forms in skarn deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kolfanite used for?+

Kolfanite is used in collector.

Find kolfanite on the map

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