Kulkeite is a rare phyllosilicate mineral belonging to the chlorite group, characterized by its regular interstratification of clinochlore and talc layers. It typically appears as white to pale greenish micaceous or platy masses found in high-grade metamorphosed sedimentary environments. Collectors look for these specimens primarily in specific dolomitic marble occurrences where the delicate, pearly lamellae are preserved.
Is this kulkeite?
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 kulkeite with a known reference. Kulkeite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kulkeite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kulkeite typically shows a pearly luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, pale green.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: triclinic. Typical habit: platy or micaceous aggregates.
Often confused with
Kulkeite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kulkeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kulkeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg₈Al(AlSi₇)O₂₀(OH)₁₀
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 2.81 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy or Micaceous Aggregates
- Cleavage
- Perfect Basal
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Metamorphic Rocks, Specifically Dolomitic Marbles
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find kulkeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Karakorum, Pakistan
- Guanajuato, Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in metamorphic rocks, specifically dolomitic marbles country — that is the host setting where kulkeite typically forms. If you start seeing dolomite, magnesite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy or micaceous aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kulkeite?+
Where is kulkeite found?+
How much is kulkeite worth?+
What rocks look like kulkeite?+
What minerals are found with kulkeite?+
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Find kulkeite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
