Kieserite

A variety of Minerals

Kieserite specimen - rock identification

What is Kieserite?

Kieserite is the magnesium sulfate mineral (MgSO4·H2O) and is named after Dietrich Georg von Kieser (Jena, Germany 1862). It has a vitreous luster and it is colorless, grayish-white or yellowish. Its hardness is 3.5 and crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system. Gunningite is the zinc member of the kieserite group of minerals.

Uses & Applications

It is used in the production of Epsom salt and as a fertilizer, the overall global annual usage in agriculture in the mid 1970s was 2.3 million tons. Kieserite is also used for cleaning hard water deposits from tiles, stones, and other pool and fountain lining materials. Due to its hardness, which is greater than hard water deposits but less than tiles and other water feature linings, it is blasted at the hard water deposits to remove them.

Kieserite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Kieserite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

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Kieserite Localities Map

See where Kieserite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

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North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

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Key Characteristics

Formation of Kieserite

Kieserite commonly occurs in marine evaporites and rarely in volcanic environments as a sublimate. It occurs in association with halite, carnallite, polyhalite, anhydrite, boracite, sulfoborite, leonite, epsomite and celestine.

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
Colourless, greyish-white, yellowish; colourless in transmitted light.
Hardness (Mohs)
3.5
Density
2.571 g/cm³

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
MgSO4 · H2O
Elements
H, Mg, O, S
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