Kristiansenite is an exceptionally rare scandium-bearing phosphate mineral found in alkaline syenite pegmatites. It typically occurs as small, colorless tabular crystals or crystalline aggregates associated with other rare earth minerals in the Larvik Plutonic Complex of Norway.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrare

Kristiansenite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this kristiansenite?

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 kristiansenite with a known reference. Kristiansenite sits at Mohs 3.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kristiansenite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kristiansenite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals, aggregates.

Often confused with

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

mineral

Herderite

Mohs 5-5.5

How to tell apart: Herderite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5).

How to tell apart: Hydroxylherderite is the harder of the two (Mohs 5-5.5 vs. 3.5).

Compare →

Often found alongside kristiansenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaSc(PO₄)F₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 2.98 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Triclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals, Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect in One Direction
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Syenite Pegmatites
Typical price: $100-500+ for micro-specimens

Where rockhounds find kristiansenite

Classic worldwide localities

Tvedalen, Larvik, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in syenite pegmatites country — that is the host setting where kristiansenite typically forms. If you start seeing albite, aegirine, microcline in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals, aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kristiansenite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white.

Where is kristiansenite found?+

Notable localities include Tvedalen, Larvik, Norway.

How much is kristiansenite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500+ for micro-specimens. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like kristiansenite?+

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

What minerals are found with kristiansenite?+

Kristiansenite commonly co-occurs with Albite, Aegirine, Microcline, Zircon, Astrophyllite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kristiansenite form in?+

Kristiansenite typically forms in syenite pegmatites. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kristiansenite used for?+

Kristiansenite is used in collector.

Find kristiansenite on the map

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