Kalicinite is a rare potassium bicarbonate mineral typically forming as delicate crusts or needles in specific evaporite environments or fumarolic settings. Because it is highly soluble in water, it is best kept in a dry, sealed container to prevent degradation.
Is this kalicinite?
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 kalicinite with a known reference. Kalicinite sits at Mohs 1-2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: dull.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish, yellowish white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: acicular or prismatic crystals, also as crusts.
Often confused with
Kalicinite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kalicinite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kalicinite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KHCO₃
- Mohs hardness
- 1-2
- Density
- 2.168 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Dull
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or prismatic crystals, also as crusts
- Cleavage
- {100}, {001}, {101}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- As a result of the decomposition of a dead tree
Where rockhounds find kalicinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Chippis, Valais, Switzerland
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: As a result of the decomposition of a dead tree. If you start seeing nahcolite, trona, thermonatrite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular or prismatic crystals, also as crusts. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kalicinite?+
Where is kalicinite found?+
What rocks look like kalicinite?+
What minerals are found with kalicinite?+
What kind of rock does kalicinite form in?+
What is kalicinite used for?+
Find kalicinite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
