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. Trikalsilite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Trikalsilite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: colorless, white, gray, pale yellow.
- 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
- 2.64 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Hexagonal
- Crystal habit
- Hexagonal Prisms, Massive
- Cleavage
- Distinct On {1010}
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector, Scientific Research
- Host rock
- Potassium-rich Volcanic Rocks and Alkali Basalt
- Typical price
- $20-100 per specimen
Where rockhounds find trikalsilite
Classic worldwide localities
- Mount Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Uganda
- Italy
- Russia
Field-hunting tip
Look in potassium-rich volcanic rocks and alkali basalt country — that is the host setting where trikalsilite typically forms. If you start seeing nepheline, kalsilite, leucite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a hexagonal prisms, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify trikalsilite?+
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How much is trikalsilite worth?+
What rocks look like trikalsilite?+
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Find trikalsilite on the map
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