Koryakite is a rare mica group mineral discovered in the volcanic fumaroles of the Tolbachik volcano in Kamchatka, Russia. It typically occurs as small tabular crystals associated with other high-temperature volcanic minerals, making it a highly specialized find for systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

3-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Koryakite

Hardness: 3-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this koryakite?

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 koryakite with a known reference. Koryakite sits at Mohs 3-4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Koryakite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Koryakite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Phlogopite

Mohs 2.5-3

How to tell apart: Luster reads vitreous on Koryakite and pearly on Phlogopite.

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Often found alongside koryakite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaKMg₂Al₂(SO₄)₆
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.84 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Fumaroles

Where rockhounds find koryakite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic fumaroles country, the host setting where koryakite typically forms. If you start seeing orthopyroxene, anorthite, diopside in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify koryakite?+

Mohs hardness is 3-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is koryakite found?+

Notable localities include Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia.

What rocks look like koryakite?+

Koryakite is most often confused with Phlogopite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with koryakite?+

Koryakite commonly co-occurs with Orthopyroxene, Anorthite, Diopside. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does koryakite form in?+

Koryakite typically forms in volcanic fumaroles. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is koryakite used for?+

Koryakite is used in collector.

Find koryakite on the map

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