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: monoclinic. 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.

Compare →

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: KMg₃(AlSi₃O₁₀)F(OH)
Mohs hardness: 3-4
Density: 2.84 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Volcanic Fumaroles
Typical price: $50-300 micro to thumbnail

Where rockhounds find koryakite

Classic worldwide localities

Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic fumaroles country — that is 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.

How much is koryakite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 micro to thumbnail. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

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.