How do I identify Kleinite?

Kleinite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, Light to canary-yellow color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Kleinite?

Kleinite typically appears in Light to canary-yellow, orange; darkens to reddish yellow or orange in daylight and reverts to original color in darkness. Yellow to colourless in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Kleinite?

Kleinite has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

How to Identify Kleinite | Properties, Meaning & Uses

What is Kleinite?

Kleinite is a rare mineral that has only been found in the United States and Germany that occurs in hydrothermal mercury deposits. It occurs associated with calcite, gypsum and (rarely) barite or calomel. Its color can range from pale yellow/canary yellow to orange, and it is transparent to translucent. As a photosensitive mineral, its coloration darkens when exposed to light. It has been hypothesized that kleinite formed through a "reaction of cinnabar with oxidized meteoric water", with this reaction being the source of kleinite's nitrogen.

Kleinite Market Value Calculator

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

Kleinite Localities Map

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

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color: Light to canary-yellow, orange; darkens to reddish yellow or orange in daylight and reverts to original color in darkness. Yellow to colourless in transmitted light.
Hardness (Mohs): 3.5
Streak: Yellow