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, 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.
