Kaliophilite is a rare potassium-rich tectosilicate mineral occurring primarily in alkaline igneous environments. It is often found as small, clear to white prismatic crystals or massive inclusions within volcanic ejecta and nepheline-bearing rocks.
Is this kaliophilite?
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 kaliophilite with a known reference. Kaliophilite sits at Mohs 6, 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: silky, brilliant.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: acicular, prismatic.
Often confused with
Kaliophilite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Luster reads silky, brilliant on Kaliophilite and vitreous to greasy on Nepheline.
How to tell apart: Luster reads silky, brilliant on Kaliophilite and vitreous on Leucite.
How to tell apart: Luster reads silky, brilliant on Kaliophilite and vitreous to greasy on Kalsilite.
Often found alongside kaliophilite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kaliophilite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KAlSiO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.493-2.649 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Silky, brilliant
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Acicular, prismatic
- Cleavage
- {0001}, perfect
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- In blocks of biotite-pyroxenite volcanic ejecta
Where rockhounds find kaliophilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Monte Somma and Vesuvius, Campania (TL), Italy
- Albano and Marino, Colle Cimino, near Rome, Lazio, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In blocks of biotite-pyroxenite volcanic ejecta. If you start seeing biotite, pyroxene, augite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: acicular, prismatic. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kaliophilite?+
Where is kaliophilite found?+
What rocks look like kaliophilite?+
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Find kaliophilite on the map
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