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.
Is this kumdykolite?
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 kumdykolite with a known reference. Kumdykolite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kumdykolite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kumdykolite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal 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
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Pseudocubic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Diamondiferous Metamorphic Rocks
Where rockhounds find kumdykolite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kumdy-Kol, Kokchetav Massif, Kazakhstan
Field-hunting tip
Look in diamondiferous metamorphic rocks country, 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?+
Where is kumdykolite found?+
What rocks look like kumdykolite?+
What minerals are found with kumdykolite?+
What kind of rock does kumdykolite form in?+
What is kumdykolite used for?+
Find kumdykolite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
