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.
Is this kenyaite?
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 kenyaite with a known reference. Kenyaite sits at Mohs 2-3, 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: pearly.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: concretionary, nodular.
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
- 3.18 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Pearly
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Concretionary, nodular
- Cleavage
- Perfect
- Fluorescence
- Very pale yellow under SW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- As concretions, with chert cores, embedded in magadiite; perhaps as a reaction product between the two (Lake Magadi, Kenya); in altered volcanic rocks (Trinity Co., California, USA)
Where rockhounds find kenyaite
Classic worldwide localities
- Five km north of Trinity Lake, Trinity Co., California, USA
- Lake Magadi, Rift Valley, Kenya
- Kafra, Niger
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: As concretions, with chert cores, embedded in magadiite; perhaps as a reaction product between the two (Lake Magadi, Kenya); in altered volcanic rocks (Trinity Co., California, USA). If you start seeing magadiite, quartz in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: concretionary, nodular. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify kenyaite?+
Where is kenyaite found?+
What rocks look like kenyaite?+
What minerals are found with kenyaite?+
What kind of rock does kenyaite form in?+
What is kenyaite used for?+
Find kenyaite on the map
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