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 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kalicinite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kalicinite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 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
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.17 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Acicular or Prismatic Crystals, Also as Crusts
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Fumaroles and Sedimentary Evaporite Deposits
- Typical price
- $20-150 for micro-mounts or small specimens
Where rockhounds find kalicinite
Classic worldwide localities
- Stephansdorf, Czech Republic
- Khibiny Massif, Russia
- Mont Saint-Hilaire, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in fumaroles and sedimentary evaporite deposits country — that is the host setting where kalicinite typically forms. If you start seeing nahcolite, trona, thermonatrite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a acicular or prismatic crystals, also as crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kalicinite?+
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What rocks look like kalicinite?+
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Find kalicinite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
