Sanguite is a very rare potassium chloride mineral that typically forms as red crusts around volcanic fumaroles. It is named for its blood-red color and is primarily found in the Vesuvius volcanic complex. Collectors should note it is highly water-soluble, similar to sylvite, and requires storage in a humidity-controlled environment.
Is this sanguite?
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 sanguite with a known reference. Sanguite sits at Mohs 2.5 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Sanguite leaves a reddish streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Sanguite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: red, dark red.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: granular, massive, crystalline crusts.
Often confused with
Sanguite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside sanguite
Minerals reported to co-occur with sanguite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- KCl
- Mohs hardness
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.44 g/cm³
- Streak
- Reddish
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Granular, Massive, Crystalline Crusts
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Volcanic Fumaroles
- Typical price
- $50-500 depending on specimen quality
Where rockhounds find sanguite
Classic worldwide localities
- Vesuvius, Italy
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic fumaroles country — that is the host setting where sanguite typically forms. If you start seeing sylvite, hematite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a granular, massive, crystalline crusts habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find sanguite on the map
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