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, 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.