Wenkite is a rare framework silicate mineral first discovered in the Swiss Alps. It typically occurs as small, colorless to white hexagonal prisms within metamorphic limestone environments, and is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareCancrinite Group family

Wenkite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this wenkite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch wenkite with a known reference. Wenkite sits at Mohs 6 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Wenkite leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Wenkite typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: prismatic crystals.

Often confused with

Wenkite vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside wenkite

Minerals reported to co-occur with wenkite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ba₄Ca₆(Al₆Si₆O₂₄)(SO₄)₂
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 2.42 g/cm³
Colors: White Colorless
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Prismatic Crystals
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Metamorphic Limestone
Typical price: $50-300 per specimen

Where rockhounds find wenkite

Classic worldwide localities

Kästle quarry, Vitznau, Switzerland

Field-hunting tip

Look in metamorphic limestone country — that is the host setting where wenkite typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, quartz, anorthite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a prismatic crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify wenkite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include white, colorless.

Where is wenkite found?+

Notable localities include Kästle quarry, Vitznau, Switzerland.

How much is wenkite worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $50-300 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like wenkite?+

Wenkite is most often confused with Cancrinite, Davyne. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with wenkite?+

Wenkite commonly co-occurs with Calcite, Quartz, Anorthite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does wenkite form in?+

Wenkite typically forms in metamorphic limestone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is wenkite used for?+

Wenkite is used in collector.

Find wenkite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.