Kunatite is an extremely rare phosphate mineral typically found in the iron-rich phosphate deposits of the Yukon Territory. Collectors usually identify it by its distinct yellow color and orthorhombic prismatic crystal habit occurring in association with other rare phosphate species.
Is this kunatite?
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 kunatite with a known reference. Kunatite 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. Kunatite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kunatite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, brownish-yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Kunatite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kunatite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kunatite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KFe³⁺₄(PO₄)₃(OH)₄·8H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 4
- Density
- 2.8-2.9 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Phosphate-rich Iron Formations
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen depending on crystal quality
Where rockhounds find kunatite
Classic worldwide localities
- Rapid Creek, Yukon, Canada
- Big Fish River, Yukon, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in phosphate-rich iron formations country — that is the host setting where kunatite typically forms. If you start seeing vivianite, ludlamite, gormanite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kunatite on the map
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