Koenenite is a rare hydrated magnesium aluminum chloride sulfate mineral primarily found in evaporite deposits. Collectors typically search for its characteristic thin, pearly, platy crystals that occur within salt mine environments, often showing a fragile, foliated appearance.

Hardness

1.5-2

Mohs

Luster

Pearly

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralrare

Koenenite

Hardness: 1.5-2
Luster: Pearly
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this koenenite?

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 koenenite with a known reference. Koenenite sits at Mohs 1.5-2 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Koenenite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Koenenite typically shows a pearly luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, yellow, red, orange.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: platy crystals, pseudohexagonal, foliated aggregates.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside koenenite

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

All properties

Chemical formula: Mg₄Al₂(OH)₁₂(Cl,SO₄)₂·3H₂O
Mohs hardness: 1.5-2
Density: 2.0-2.1 g/cm³
Colors: White Yellow Red Orange
Streak: White
Luster: Pearly
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Platy Crystals, Pseudohexagonal, Foliated Aggregates
Cleavage: Perfect Basal
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Potash Salt Deposits
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find koenenite

Classic worldwide localities

Stassfurt, Germany
Werra district, Germany
Beresniki, Russia

Field-hunting tip

Look in potash salt deposits country — that is the host setting where koenenite typically forms. If you start seeing halite, carnallite, kieserite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a platy crystals, pseudohexagonal, foliated aggregates habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify koenenite?+

Mohs hardness is 1.5-2. It typically shows a pearly luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, yellow, red, orange.

Where is koenenite found?+

Notable localities include Stassfurt, Germany; Werra district, Germany; Beresniki, Russia.

How much is koenenite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like koenenite?+

Koenenite is most often confused with Brucite, Talc. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with koenenite?+

Koenenite commonly co-occurs with halite, carnallite, kieserite, bischofite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does koenenite form in?+

Koenenite typically forms in potash salt deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is koenenite used for?+

Koenenite is used in collector.

Find koenenite on the map

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