Anhydrokainite is a rare evaporite mineral that occurs as the dehydrated form of the common mineral kainite. It is typically found in saline deposits and is difficult to distinguish from kainite without laboratory analysis, often forming as tabular crystals in salt beds.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareKainite family

Anhydrokainite

Hardness: 3
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this anhydrokainite?

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 anhydrokainite with a known reference. Anhydrokainite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Anhydrokainite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Anhydrokainite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Anhydrokainite is noticeably harder (Mohs 3 vs. 2).

Often found alongside anhydrokainite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: KMgSO₄Cl
Mohs hardness: 3
Density: 2.2-2.3 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless Yellowish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Tabular Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Evaporite Deposits
Typical price: $20-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find anhydrokainite

Classic worldwide localities

Werra-Fulda District, Germany
Kalush, Ukraine
Stebnyk, Ukraine

Field-hunting tip

Look in evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where anhydrokainite typically forms. If you start seeing kainite, sylvite, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify anhydrokainite?+

Mohs hardness is 3. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless, yellowish.

Where is anhydrokainite found?+

Notable localities include Werra-Fulda District, Germany; Kalush, Ukraine; Stebnyk, Ukraine.

How much is anhydrokainite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like anhydrokainite?+

Anhydrokainite is most often confused with Kainite, Sylvite, Halite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with anhydrokainite?+

Anhydrokainite commonly co-occurs with Kainite, Sylvite, Halite, Kieserite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does anhydrokainite form in?+

Anhydrokainite typically forms in evaporite deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is anhydrokainite used for?+

Anhydrokainite is used in collector.

Find anhydrokainite on the map

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