Kutnohorite is a manganese-dominant member of the dolomite group that often presents as delicate pinkish, curved rhombohedral crystals. It is most frequently found in hydrothermal vein deposits or manganese ore bodies, often forming as a crust or granular aggregate alongside other manganese minerals.

Hardness

3.5-4

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineraluncommonDolomite Group family

Kutnohorite

Hardness: 3.5-4
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this kutnohorite?

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 kutnohorite with a known reference. Kutnohorite sits at Mohs 3.5-4 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kutnohorite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kutnohorite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, pink, brown, yellowish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: rhombohedral crystals, curved rhombohedra, granular, massive.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside kutnohorite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: CaMn²⁺(CO₃)₂
Mohs hardness: 3.5-4
Density: 3.12 g/cm³
Colors: White Pink Brown Yellowish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Rhombohedral Crystals, Curved Rhombohedra, Granular, Massive
Cleavage: Perfect Rhombohedral
Rarity: Uncommon
Uses: Collector, Scientific Reference
Host rock: Hydrothermal Vein Deposits, Manganese-rich Metamorphic Deposits
Typical price: $10-100 per specimen depending on size and quality

Where rockhounds find kutnohorite

Classic worldwide localities

Kutná Hora, Czech Republic
Franklin, New Jersey, USA
Kuruman, South Africa
Saitama Prefecture, Japan

Field-hunting tip

Look in hydrothermal vein deposits, manganese-rich metamorphic deposits country — that is the host setting where kutnohorite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, rhodochrosite, galena in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a rhombohedral crystals, curved rhombohedra, granular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kutnohorite?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5-4. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, pink, brown, yellowish.

Where is kutnohorite found?+

Notable localities include Kutná Hora, Czech Republic; Franklin, New Jersey, USA; Kuruman, South Africa; Saitama Prefecture, Japan.

How much is kutnohorite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-100 per specimen depending on size and quality. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like kutnohorite?+

Kutnohorite is most often confused with Dolomite, Ankerite, Rhodochrosite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kutnohorite?+

Kutnohorite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Rhodochrosite, Galena, Sphalerite, Pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kutnohorite form in?+

Kutnohorite typically forms in hydrothermal vein deposits, manganese-rich metamorphic deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kutnohorite used for?+

Kutnohorite is used in collector, scientific reference.

Find kutnohorite on the map

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