Arcanite

A variety of Minerals

Arcanite specimen

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.

Applies to all rocks & minerals.

Arcanite Localities Map

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

Map preview
North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Interactive map layers and collecting notes are available in the app.

Quick Facts

Physical Properties

Color
Colourless, white
Hardness (Mohs)
2
Density
2.7 g/cm³

Chemical Properties

Chemical Formula
K2SO4
Elements
K, O, S

Also Known As

ArcaniteSulfate of Potash
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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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