Information about Kutnohorite

Kutnohorite is a carbonate mineral that is typically found in shades of pink, rose, or light red. Its color can range from pale pink to a deeper reddish hue, depending on the presence of manganese and iron impurities.

The mineral often occurs in compact, massive forms but can also be found as rhombohedral crystals. These crystals can sometimes be tabular or granular in structure, and they exhibit a vitreous to pearly luster when polished.

Uses and History

Kutnohorite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors due to its striking colours and relative rarity.

Kutnohorite was named after the town of Kutná Hora in the Czech Republic, where it was first discovered. The mineral was formally recognized and named in 1901.

Mineralogy

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

Translations

Further Reading / External Links

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kutnohorite
• http://www.webmineral.com/data/Kutnohorite.shtml
• https://www.mindat.org/min-2299.html
• https://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/kutnohorite.pdf