Kumdykolite is a rare orthorhombic polymorph of sodium aluminosilicate, specifically a high-pressure phase of albite. It is primarily found within microdiamond-bearing metamorphic rocks of the Kokchetav Massif and is prized by advanced mineral collectors for its unique structural formation.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareAlkali Feldspar family

Kumdykolite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

Is this kumdykolite?

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 kumdykolite with a known reference. Kumdykolite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kumdykolite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kumdykolite 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: orthorhombic. Typical habit: pseudocubic crystals.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside kumdykolite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: NaAlSi₃O₈
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 2.56 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Pseudocubic Crystals
Cleavage: Good
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Diamondiferous Metamorphic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kumdykolite

Classic worldwide localities

Kumdy-Kol, Kokchetav Massif, Kazakhstan

Field-hunting tip

Look in diamondiferous metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where kumdykolite typically forms. If you start seeing diamond, garnet, zircon in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a pseudocubic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kumdykolite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is kumdykolite found?+

Notable localities include Kumdy-Kol, Kokchetav Massif, Kazakhstan.

How much is kumdykolite worth?+

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

What rocks look like kumdykolite?+

Kumdykolite is most often confused with Albite, Pink Feldspar. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kumdykolite?+

Kumdykolite commonly co-occurs with Diamond, Garnet, Zircon. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kumdykolite form in?+

Kumdykolite typically forms in diamondiferous metamorphic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kumdykolite used for?+

Kumdykolite is used in collector.

Find kumdykolite on the map

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