Arcanite
A variety of Minerals
What is Arcanite?
Arcanite is a potassium sulfate mineral with formula: K2SO4. Arcanite was first described in 1845 for an occurrence in old pine railroad ties in the Santa Ana tin mine, Trabuco Canyon, Santa Ana Mountains, Orange County, California, US. It has also been reported from hydrothermal deposits in the Cesano geothermal field, Latium, Italy; in bat guano on the Chincha Islands of Peru; and in caves in Western Australia, South Africa and Namibia.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Arcanite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless, white
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2
- Rock tumbling
- Not recommended
- Density
- 2.7 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- K2SO4
- Elements
- K, O, S
Also Known As
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Arcanite FAQs
How do I identify Arcanite?
Arcanite can be identified by its hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Arcanite?
Arcanite typically appears in Colourless, white. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Arcanite?
Arcanite has a hardness of 2 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
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