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, 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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