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.

Hardness

1-2

Mohs

Luster

Resinous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Refikite

Hardness: 1-2
Luster: Resinous
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

No image

Is this refikite?

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 refikite with a known reference. Refikite sits at Mohs 1-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Refikite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Refikite typically shows a resinous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: yellow, white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: resinous masses.

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: 1-2
Density: 1.0-1.1 g/cm³
Colors: Yellow White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Resinous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Resinous Masses
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits in Volcanic Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find refikite

Classic worldwide localities

Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits in volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where refikite typically forms. If you start seeing sulfur, gypsum in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a resinous masses habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify refikite?+

Mohs hardness is 1-2. It typically shows a resinous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include yellow, white, colorless.

Where is refikite found?+

Notable localities include Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy.

How much is refikite 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 refikite?+

Refikite is most often confused with Amber, Copal. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with refikite?+

Refikite commonly co-occurs with sulfur, gypsum. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does refikite form in?+

Refikite typically forms in fumarolic deposits in volcanic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is refikite used for?+

Refikite is used in collector.

Find refikite on the map

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