Kieserite
A variety of Minerals
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.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Kieserite 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.
Kieserite Localities Map
See where Kieserite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
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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Kieserite FAQs
How do I identify Kieserite?
Kieserite can be identified by its hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Kieserite?
Kieserite typically appears in Colourless, greyish-white, yellowish; colourless in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Kieserite?
Kieserite has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
What is the formation of kieserite 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.
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