Kalifersite is a very rare silicate mineral typically found in the vugs of alkaline pegmatites. Collectors look for its delicate, needle-like acicular crystals which often form radiating sprays within small cavities.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrareSepiolite Group family

Kalifersite

Hardness: 2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

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Is this kalifersite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch kalifersite with a known reference. Kalifersite sits at Mohs 2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kalifersite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kalifersite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: orthorhombic. Typical habit: fibrous, acicular, radiating clusters.

Often confused with

Kalifersite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

mineral

Sepiolite

Mohs 2-2.5

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Kalifersite and dull on Sepiolite.

How to tell apart: Luster reads pearly on Kalifersite and dull on Palygorskite.

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Often found alongside kalifersite

Minerals reported to co-occur with kalifersite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: (K,Na,Ca)₃Si₈(O,OH)₂₄·nH₂O
Mohs hardness: 2
Density: 2.12 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal habit: Fibrous, Acicular, Radiating Clusters
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alkaline Igneous Rocks
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find kalifersite

Classic worldwide localities

Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada
Khibiny Massif, Russia
Langesundsfjord, Norway

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline igneous rocks country — that is the host setting where kalifersite typically forms. If you start seeing aegirine, microcline, natrolite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a fibrous, acicular, radiating clusters habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kalifersite?+

Mohs hardness is 2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is kalifersite found?+

Notable localities include Mont Saint-Hilaire, Quebec, Canada; Khibiny Massif, Russia; Langesundsfjord, Norway.

How much is kalifersite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like kalifersite?+

Kalifersite is most often confused with Sepiolite, Palygorskite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kalifersite?+

Kalifersite commonly co-occurs with Aegirine, Microcline, Natrolite, Analcime. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kalifersite form in?+

Kalifersite typically forms in alkaline igneous rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kalifersite used for?+

Kalifersite is used in collector.

Find kalifersite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.