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, 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.