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