Kahlenbergite is an exceptionally rare potassium aluminum titanate discovered within carbonate-rich xenoliths in volcanic rocks. It typically occurs as small, colorless to white grains and is primarily of interest to advanced mineralogists and systematic collectors focusing on rare volcanic species.
Is this kahlenbergite?
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 kahlenbergite with a known reference. Kahlenbergite 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. Kahlenbergite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kahlenbergite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: equant to tabular grains, massive.
Often confused with
Kahlenbergite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kahlenbergite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kahlenbergite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KAlTiO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 3
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Crystal habit
- Equant to Tabular Grains, Massive
- Cleavage
- None Observed
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Xenoliths in Volcanic Rocks
- Typical price
- $100-500 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kahlenbergite
Classic worldwide localities
- Bellerberg Volcano, Eifel, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Look in xenoliths in volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where kahlenbergite typically forms. If you start seeing ettringite, calcite, phillipsite-k in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a equant to tabular grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kahlenbergite on the map
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