KALINITE

    Class : Sulfates, chromates, molybdates
    Subclass : Hydrated sulfates
    Crystal system : Monoclinic
    Chemistry : KAl(SO4)2 11H2O
    Rarity : Very rare

Kalinite is a very rare potassium and aluminum sulfate found in the oxidized zone of hydrothermal deposits, in association with jarosite. It has a composition very close to that of potassium alum but these two minerals are clearly different in their structures. It was named so because of the presence of potassium : kalium in Latin. Kalinite forms colorless, white or grayish fibrous efflorescences.

Main photo : Kalinite from Alum King Occurrence (Big Star), Henry Mining District, Antelope Range, Sevier County, Utah, USA © Rob Lavinsky

Kalinite in the World

Kalinite is known from very few deposits in the world, with the best specimens appearing to come from the Antelope Range (Utah) and Esmeralda County (Nevada) as well as from Quetena in Chuquicamata (Chile).

Kalinite in France

In France, kalinite is reported in Decazeville (Aveyron) and Avion near Lens (Pas-de-Calais).

Twinning

No twin known for this mineral species.

Fakes and treatments

No fakes recorded for this mineral species.


Hardness : 2
Density : 1.75
Fracture : Irregular
Streak : White

TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1.430 to 1.485
Birefringence : 0.055
Optical character : Biaxial -
Pleochroism : None
Fluorescence : White

Solubility : Water

Magnetism : NoneRadioactivity : None