Chlormanganokalite is a very rare potassium manganese chloride mineral typically found in volcanic fumaroles. It is highly hygroscopic and will rapidly deliquesce when exposed to ambient humidity, meaning it must be stored in a sealed, dry container to prevent dissolution.

Hardness

2.5

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrarenull family

Chlormanganokalite

Hardness: 2.5
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this chlormanganokalite?

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 chlormanganokalite with a known reference. Chlormanganokalite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Chlormanganokalite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Chlormanganokalite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellowish.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: tabular to rhombohedral crystals, often massive or as efflorescent crusts.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside chlormanganokalite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: K₄MnCl₆
Mohs hardness: 2.5
Density: 2.14 g/cm³
Colors: Colorless White Yellowish
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Tabular to Rhombohedral Crystals, Often Massive or as Efflorescent Crusts
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Fumarolic Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find chlormanganokalite

Classic worldwide localities

Vesuvius (Italy)
Mount Rasvumchorr (Russia)

Field-hunting tip

Look in fumarolic deposits country — that is the host setting where chlormanganokalite typically forms. If you start seeing halite, sylvite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular to rhombohedral crystals, often massive or as efflorescent crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify chlormanganokalite?+

Mohs hardness is 2.5. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include colorless, white, yellowish.

Where is chlormanganokalite found?+

Notable localities include Vesuvius (Italy); Mount Rasvumchorr (Russia).

How much is chlormanganokalite 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.

Is chlormanganokalite safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains chlorides and manganese; should be handled with care as it is highly water-soluble and hygroscopic, potentially releasing ions if ingested or dissolved. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like chlormanganokalite?+

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

What minerals are found with chlormanganokalite?+

Chlormanganokalite commonly co-occurs with Halite, Sylvite, Hematite, Avogadrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does chlormanganokalite form in?+

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

What is chlormanganokalite used for?+

Chlormanganokalite is used in collector.

Find chlormanganokalite on the map

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