Kircherite is a rare mineral belonging to the cancrinite-sodalite group, characterized by its sulfate-rich structure. It is typically found in ejected volcanic blocks associated with alkaline rocks in the Vesuvius region of Italy, forming small, colorless to yellowish prismatic crystals.
Is this kircherite?
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 kircherite with a known reference. Kircherite sits at Mohs 5-6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Kircherite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Kircherite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, yellow, pale brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.
Often confused with
Kircherite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside kircherite
Minerals reported to co-occur with kircherite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (Na,K)₃(Ca,Na,Fe²⁺)₈[Al₆Si₆O₂₄](SO₄,CO₃,Cl,OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 2.42 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect On {10-10}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Ejected Volcanic Blocks in Alkaline Igneous Complexes
- Typical price
- $50-300 per specimen
Where rockhounds find kircherite
Classic worldwide localities
- Monte Somma, Vesuvius, Italy
- Alban Hills, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in ejected volcanic blocks in alkaline igneous complexes country — that is the host setting where kircherite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, leucite, sanidine in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find kircherite on the map
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