Kainite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Kainite
Formula:
KMg(SO4)Cl · 3H2O
Borisov et al. (2022) propose the formula KMg(SO4)Cl⋅2.75H2O.
Colour:
Colourless; yellow, brownish, greyish-green, red, violet, blue; colourless in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2½ - 3
Specific Gravity:
2.15
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
From Greek καιυος = "recent," in allusion to its recent formation as a secondary mineral.
This page provides mineralogical data about Kainite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2132
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2132:2
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
a038cca3-855c-472c-b843-ce2a65cc636b
IMA Classification of Kainite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
KMg(SO4)Cl · 2.75H2O
First published:
1865
Classification of Kainite
7.DF.10
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
F : With large and medium-sized cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
D : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) with additional anions, with H2O
F : With large and medium-sized cations
31.7.1.1
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : (AB)2(XO4)Zq·xH2O
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : (AB)2(XO4)Zq·xH2O
26.14
26 : Sulphates with Halide
26 : Sulphates with Halide
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Kai | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Kainite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless; yellow, brownish, greyish-green, red, violet, blue; colourless in transmitted light.
Comment:
Tints due to included matter. Violet-coloured material is decolourized at 150°C. H2S identified in blue material (Leonhardt and Kühn).
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2½ - 3 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
{001}, perfect.
{001}, perfect.
Fracture:
Splintery
Density:
2.15 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.24 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Kainite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.494 nβ = 1.505 nγ = 1.516
2V:
Measured: 90° , Calculated: 88°
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.022
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
Low
Dispersion:
weak
Optical Extinction:
X = a; Y = b; Z ∧ c = 13°.
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = Violet
Y = Blue
Z = Yellowish
Observed on blue or violet material only.
Y = Blue
Z = Yellowish
Observed on blue or violet material only.
Chemistry of Kainite
Mindat Formula:
KMg(SO4)Cl · 3H2O
Borisov et al. (2022) propose the formula KMg(SO4)Cl⋅2.75H2O.
Borisov et al. (2022) propose the formula KMg(SO4)Cl⋅2.75H2O.
Crystallography of Kainite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/m
Setting:
C2/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 19.6742(2) Å, b = 16.18240(10) Å, c = 9.49140(10) Å
β = 94.8840(10)°
β = 94.8840(10)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.216 : 1 : 0.587
Unit Cell V:
3010.86 ų
Z:
16
Morphology:
Crystals thick tabular {100} to equidimensional; often exhibiting numerous forms. Occurs as crystalline coatings and clusters in cavities or fissures in which single crystals may reach several centimeters; granular massive.
Comment:
Borisov et al. (2022).
Crystallographic forms of Kainite
Crystal Atlas:
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Kainite no.2 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Kainite no.4 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
3d models and HTML5 code kindly provided by
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0000291 | Kainite | Robinson P D, Fang J H, Ohya Y (1972) The crystal structure of kainite American Mineralogist 57 1325-1332 |  | 1972 | Stassfurt, Germany | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.372 Å | (100) |
| 3.080 Å | (86) |
| 7.771 Å | (83) |
| 8.115 Å | (69) |
| 3.029 Å | (66) |
| 3.048 Å | (42) |
| 4.616 Å | (37) |
Comments:
Calculated, ICDD 25-1237.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 25 : Evaporites (prebiotic) | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45a : [Sulfates, arsenates, selenates, antimonates] | |
| 45b : [Other oxidized fumarolic minerals] | |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| 47g : [Halogen-bearing surface weathering minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Kainite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
No designated type material.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Potash deposit of oceanic origin.
Synonyms of Kainite
Other Language Names for Kainite
Common Associates
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.DF. | Aldridgeite | (Cd,Ca)(Cu,Zn)4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF. | Chromschieffelinite | Pb10Te6+6O20(OH)14(CrO4)(H2O)5 |
| 7.DF. | Alcaparrosaite | K3Ti4+Fe3+(SO4)4O(H2O)2 |
| 7.DF. | Bairdite | Pb2Cu2+4Te6+2O10(OH)2(SO4) · H2O |
| 7.DF. | Carlsonite | (NH4)5Fe3+3O(SO4)6 · 7H2O |
| 7.DF. | Ammoniomathesiusite | (NH4)5(UO2)4(SO4)4(VO5) · 4H2O |
| 7.DF. | Erssonite | Mg7Fe3+2(OH)18[Ca(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.DF. | Flaggite | Pb4Cu2+4Te6+2(SO4)2O11(OH)2(H2O) |
| 7.DF. | Poellmannite | Ca6Al3(OH)18[Na(H2O)6](SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 7.DF. | Haywoodite | [Pb(H2O)10][Zn12(OH)20(H2O)(SO4)3] |
| 7.DF. | Cherokeeite | [Pb2Zn(OH)4](SO4) · H2O |
| 7.DF. | Cuprocherokeeite | [Pb8Zn3Cu2+(OH)16](SO4)4 · 4H2O |
| 7.DF. | Tzeferisite | CaZn8(SO4)2(OH)12Cl2(H2O)9 |
| 7.DF.05 | Uklonskovite | NaMg(SO4)F · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.10 | Kaliochalcite | KCu2(SO4)2[(OH)(H2O)] |
| 7.DF.15 | Natrochalcite | NaCu2(SO4)2(OH) · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.17 | Unnamed (Ba-Sb Silicate-Sulphate-Hydroxide-Hydrate) | Ba3Sb5+[(Si,S)O3(OH)]2(OH,O)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.17 | Genplesite | Ca3Sn(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.20 | Metasideronatrite | Na2Fe(SO4)2(OH) · H2O |
| 7.DF.20 | Sideronatrite | Na2Fe(SO4)2(OH) · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Despujolsite | Ca3Mn4+(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Fleischerite | Pb3Ge(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Schaurteite | Ca3Ge(SO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 7.DF.25 | Mallestigite | Pb3Sb5+(SO4)(AsO4)(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.30 | Slavíkite | (H3O+)3Mg6Fe15(SO4)21(OH)18 · 98H2O |
| 7.DF.35 | Metavoltine | K2Na6Fe2+Fe3+6O2(SO4)12 · 18H2O |
| 7.DF.40 | Lannonite | Mg2Ca4Al4(SO4)8F8 · 24H2O |
| 7.DF.40 | Vlodavetsite | AlCa2(SO4)2F2Cl · 4H2O |
| 7.DF.45 | Peretaite | Ca(SbO)4(SO4)2(OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.50 | Gordaite | NaZn4(SO4)(OH)6Cl · 6H2O |
| 7.DF.50 | Calamaite | Na2TiO(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.DF.52 | Scordariite | K8(Fe3+0.67◻0.33)[Fe3+3O(SO4)6]2 · 14H2O |
| 7.DF.52 | Huizingite-(Al) | [(NH4)9(SO4)2][(Al,Fe3+)3(OH)2(H2O)4(SO4)6] |
| 7.DF.55 | Clairite | (NH4)2Fe3(SO4)4(OH)3 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.55 | Giacovazzoite | K5Fe3+3O(SO4)6 · 10H2O |
| 7.DF.57 | Magnanelliite | K3Fe3+2(SO4)4(OH)(H2O)2 |
| 7.DF.60 | Arzrunite | Cu4Pb2(SO4)(OH)4Cl6 · 2H2O (?) |
| 7.DF.60 | Evdokimovite | Tl4(VO)3(SO4)5(H2O)5 |
| 7.DF.62 | Bridgesite-(Ce) | CaCe2Cu6(SO4)4(OH)12 · 8H2O |
| 7.DF.65 | Elyite | Pb4Cu(SO4)O2(OH)4 · H2O |
| 7.DF.70 | Lautenthalite | PbCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 7.DF.70 | Yecoraite | Fe3+3Bi5(Te6+O4)2(Te4+O3)O9 · 9H2O |
| 7.DF.75 | Riomarinaite | Bi(SO4)(OH) · H2O |
| 7.DF.80 | Dukeite | Bi3+24Cr6+8O57(OH)6 · 3H2O |
Other Information
Notes:
Decomposed by water into epsomite and sylvite.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Kainite in petrology
An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.
Internet Links for Kainite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2132.html
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References for Kainite
Localities for Kainite
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Wilson et al. (2014) |
Austria | |
| Exel (1993) |
Canada | |
| Shang (2000) |
Chile | |
| Cabestrero et al. (2022) |
China | |
| Ju et al. (2019) |
| Shaoxiu Yang (1991) |
| Bingxiao Li (1992) |
| Yanling Tang (2005) | |
| Bingxiao Li (1992) |
Czech Republic | |
| Varilová et al. (2011) |
Ethiopia | |
| Holwerda et al. (1968) |
Germany | |
| Krah et al. (1988) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiss: "Mineralienfundstellen et al. (Munich) |
| Bode "Mineralien und Fundstellen BRD" ... +1 other reference |
| mrdata.usgs.gov (n.d.) |
| Aufschluss 1987 (4) |
| Jeff Weissman collection |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Naumann |
| |
| C. Zinken (1865) +1 other reference |
| ... | |
| W.I. Borrisenkow (1968) |
Iceland | |
| Balić-Žunić et al. (2016) |
| Jakobsson et al. (1992) |
Iran | |
| Talbot et al. (2009) |
Italy | |
| Russo et al. (2022) |
| Kuehn R. (1972) +1 other reference |
| Adamo S. (1979) +2 other references | |
| Lugli S. et al. (2006) |
| Adamo S. (1979) +1 other reference |
| Mezzadri (1988) |
| Mezzadri (1988) | |
| Mezzadri (1988) |
| Adamo et al. (1979) +1 other reference | |
| Mezzadri (1988) |
| Mezzadri (1988) |
| Mezzadri (1988) | |
| Marella et al. (2006) +1 other reference | |
| Marella et al. (2006) +1 other reference | |
| Marella et al. (2006) +1 other reference | |
| Mezzadri (1988) | |
| Barbieri et al. (1968) +4 other references |
| Roda (1970) +3 other references |
| Adamo S. (1979) |
Kazakhstan | |
| ERCOSPAN (2011) |
| Pekov et al. (1993) |
Pakistan | |
| Ullah (1963) |
Poland | |
| Jirásek +7 other references |
Russia | |
| Tolstykh et al. (2021) |
| Pekov et al. (2015) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
Tunisia | |
| Smykatz-Kloss et al. (2010) |
UK | |
| Smith et al. (2014) |
| Smith et al. (2014) |
| Kemp et al. (2016) | |
Ukraine | |
| Bukowski +2 other references |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| BILONIZHKA (2003) |
USA | |
| Buck et al. (2006) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Hawley +5 other references |
| Philip (2013) | |
| - (2005) | |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Bullock (1981) |
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