Trikalsilite is a rare potassium-sodium aluminosilicate mineral that typically forms as small hexagonal crystals in volcanic environments. It is chemically very similar to nepheline and kalsilite, often requiring specialized analytical methods for precise identification. Collectors usually find it as microscopic inclusions or fine-grained aggregates within alkaline igneous rocks.
Is this trikalsilite?
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 trikalsilite with a known reference. Trikalsilite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: hexagonal prisms, massive.
Often confused with
Trikalsilite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside trikalsilite
Minerals reported to co-occur with trikalsilite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- (K,Na)AlSiO₄
- Mohs hardness
- 6
- Density
- 2.63 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Semitransparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Hexagonal prisms, massive
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific research
- Host rock
- In lava
Where rockhounds find trikalsilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Kabfumu volcanic flow, between the Mt. Mikeno and Mt. Nyiragongo volcanos, Kivu Province, Congo (Zaire)
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: In lava. If you start seeing nepheline, kalsilite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: hexagonal prisms, massive. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify trikalsilite?+
Where is trikalsilite found?+
What rocks look like trikalsilite?+
What minerals are found with trikalsilite?+
What kind of rock does trikalsilite form in?+
What is trikalsilite used for?+
Find trikalsilite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
