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, 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.