Potassic-chloro-hastingsite is a rare member of the complex amphibole supergroup characterized by high potassium and chlorine content. It typically occurs as dark, vitreous, elongated prismatic crystals in silica-undersaturated or alkaline geological environments. Collectors find it primarily in specific intrusive complexes where chlorine-rich fluids have altered local mineral assemblages.
Is this potassic-chloro-hastingsite?
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 potassic-chloro-hastingsite with a known reference. Potassic-chloro-hastingsite 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. Potassic-chloro-hastingsite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Potassic-chloro-hastingsite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: black, dark green, dark brown.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: prismatic crystals, massive, granular.
Often confused with
Potassic-chloro-hastingsite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Potassic-chloro-hastingsite leaves white, Hornblende leaves grayish-white.
How to tell apart: Streak differs — Potassic-chloro-hastingsite leaves white, Hastingsite leaves white to light gray.
Often found alongside potassic-chloro-hastingsite
Minerals reported to co-occur with potassic-chloro-hastingsite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KCa₂Fe²⁺₃Fe³⁺₂Si₆Al₂O₂₂Cl₂
- Mohs hardness
- 5-6
- Density
- 3.3-3.5 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Prismatic Crystals, Massive, Granular
- Cleavage
- Perfect Prismatic {110}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Alkaline Igneous Rocks, Skarns, Metamorphic Rocks
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen depending on size and quality
Where rockhounds find potassic-chloro-hastingsite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kola Peninsula, Russia
- Ontario, Canada
- New York, USA
- Norway
Field-hunting tip
Look in alkaline igneous rocks, skarns, metamorphic rocks country — that is the host setting where potassic-chloro-hastingsite typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, feldspar, magnetite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals, massive, granular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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