Kenyaite is a rare hydrated sodium silicate mineral found primarily in alkaline saline lake deposits. It typically forms as delicate, white platy or radiating spherical aggregates and is often associated with the mineral magadiite.

Hardness

2-3

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Kenyaite

Hardness: 2-3
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this kenyaite?

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 kenyaite with a known reference. Kenyaite sits at Mohs 2-3 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kenyaite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Kenyaite 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: monoclinic. Typical habit: platy crystals, radial aggregates, spherulitic.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside kenyaite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Na₂Si₂₂O₄₅·10H₂O
Mohs hardness: 2-3
Density: 2.0-2.1 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Radial Aggregates, Spherulitic
Cleavage: Perfect
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector, Scientific Research
Host rock: Alkaline Lake Sediments
Typical price: $20-100 for small specimen

Where rockhounds find kenyaite

Classic worldwide localities

Lake Magadi, Kenya
Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania
Moon Valley, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in alkaline lake sediments country — that is the host setting where kenyaite typically forms. If you start seeing magadiite, trona, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, radial aggregates, spherulitic habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify kenyaite?+

Mohs hardness is 2-3. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is kenyaite found?+

Notable localities include Lake Magadi, Kenya; Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania; Moon Valley, USA.

How much is kenyaite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $20-100 for small specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like kenyaite?+

Kenyaite is most often confused with Magadiite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with kenyaite?+

Kenyaite commonly co-occurs with Magadiite, Trona, Quartz, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does kenyaite form in?+

Kenyaite typically forms in alkaline lake sediments. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is kenyaite used for?+

Kenyaite is used in collector, scientific research.

Find kenyaite on the map

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