Heklaite is a very rare chloride mineral originally discovered in the fumaroles of the Hekla volcano in Iceland. It typically forms as small, delicate platy crystals deposited by volcanic gases and is highly susceptible to weathering in humid conditions.
Is this heklaite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch heklaite with a known reference. Heklaite sits at Mohs 3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Heklaite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Heklaite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals.
Often confused with
Heklaite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside heklaite
Minerals reported to co-occur with heklaite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- K₃FeCl₆
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.65 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Platy Crystals
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Volcanic Fumaroles
- Typical price
- n/a
Where rockhounds find heklaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Hekla Volcano, Iceland
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic fumaroles country — that is the host setting where heklaite typically forms. If you start seeing sylvite, hematite, halite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find heklaite on the map
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