Refikite is a rare organic mineraloid derived from the oxidation of fossil resins found in volcanic fumaroles. It typically appears as yellowish, resinous masses or crusts within sulfur-rich volcanic environments. Because of its organic nature and formation process, it is highly sought after by specialized mineral collectors.
Is this refikite?
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 refikite with a known reference. Refikite sits at Mohs 1, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: resinous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: acicular, scaly.
Often confused with
Refikite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside refikite
Minerals reported to co-occur with refikite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- C₂₀H₃₄O₂
- Mohs hardness
- 1
- Density
- 1.09 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, scaly
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In lignite (near Teramo, Italy); in roots of fossil spruce in a swamp (Kolbermoor, Germany)
Where rockhounds find refikite
Classic worldwide localities
- Montório al Vomano, 10 km southwest of Teramo, Abruzzi, Italy
- Found near Kolbermoor, Bavaria, Germany
- Krásno, Czech Republic
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In lignite (near Teramo, Italy); in roots of fossil spruce in a swamp (Kolbermoor, Germany). If you start seeing sulfur, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, scaly. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify refikite?+
Where is refikite found?+
What rocks look like refikite?+
What minerals are found with refikite?+
What kind of rock does refikite form in?+
What is refikite used for?+
Find refikite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
