Kulanite is a rare phosphate mineral recognized for its distinctive blue to blue-green color and blocky crystal habit. It is most famous among collectors for specimens found in the remote phosphate occurrences of the Yukon Territory, often occurring as well-formed crystals associated with other rare phosphate species.
Is this kulanite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch kulanite with a known reference. Kulanite sits at Mohs 4, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kulanite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kulanite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: blue, blue-green, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular to blocky crystals, often as small aggregates or crusts.
Often confused with
Kulanite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kulanite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kulanite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- BaFe²⁺₂Al₂(PO₄)₃(OH)₃
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 3.84 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular to Blocky Crystals, Often as Small Aggregates or Crusts
- Cleavage
- Good in One Direction
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Hydrothermal Veins in Sedimentary Rocks
- Typical price
- $50-300 for micro-specimens
Where rockhounds find kulanite
Classic worldwide localities
- Big Fish River, Yukon, Canada
- Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada
- Hagendorf, Bavaria, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich hydrothermal veins in sedimentary rocks country, the host setting where kulanite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, vivianite, siderite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to blocky crystals, often as small aggregates or crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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How much is kulanite worth?+
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Find kulanite on the map
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