Kleinite
A variety of Minerals
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.
Etymology & Origins
Kleinite is named after Carl Klein (1842–1907), who was a professor of mineralogy at the University of Berlin.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Kleinite 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.
Kleinite Localities Map
See where Kleinite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
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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
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Hg2N)(Cl,SO4) · nH2O
- Elements
- Cl, H, Hg, N, O, S
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Kleinite FAQs
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.
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