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. Kaliophilite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kaliophilite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless, yellowish, gray.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, grains, massive.
Often confused with
Kaliophilite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
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
- 2.58-2.67 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Grains, Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct On Basal Pinacoid
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Nepheline Syenites, Volcanic Ejecta
- Typical price
- $20-150 for thumbnail or small cabinet specimens
Where rockhounds find kaliophilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Monte Somma, Italy
- Kaiserstuhl, Germany
- Lake Baikal region, Russia
- Ontario, Canada
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, nepheline syenites, volcanic ejecta country — that is the host setting where kaliophilite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, leucite, sanidine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, grains, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kaliophilite on the map
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