Witzkeite is a very rare hydrated sodium magnesium sulfate fluoride mineral first identified in industrial chemical environments. It typically forms thin tabular crystals that are delicate and easily soluble in water, making it a challenging mineral for collectors to preserve. Its occurrence is largely associated with anthropogenic evaporite processes and rare geological potash formations.
Is this witzkeite?
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 witzkeite with a known reference. Witzkeite sits at Mohs 2, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Witzkeite leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Witzkeite typically shows a vitreous luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, colorless.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: monoclinic. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Witzkeite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside witzkeite
Minerals reported to co-occur with witzkeite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Na₄Mg(SO₄)₂F₂·2H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2
- Density
- 1.74 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Crystal system
- Monoclinic
- Crystal habit
- Tabular Crystals
- Cleavage
- Good
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Evaporite Deposits
- Typical price
- $50-200 for rare specimens
Where rockhounds find witzkeite
Classic worldwide localities
- Haldor Topsøe factory, Denmark
- Potash deposits, various global locations
Field-hunting tip
Look in evaporite deposits country, the host setting where witzkeite typically forms. If you start seeing halite, gypsum, thenardite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a tabular crystals habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
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Find witzkeite on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
