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

mineralrare

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, 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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