Sylvite (KCl) is potassium chloride — the principal potash mineral and a major fertilizer ore. It crystallizes in evaporite sequences alongside halite, often with reddish color from hematite inclusions. Saskatchewan (Canada) and Solikamsk (Russia) host the world’s largest sylvinite deposits. Distinguished from halite by bitter taste (vs. halite’s salty taste).
Key Facts
- Mohs hardness 2.
- Isometric; cubic and octahedral habits, perfect cubic cleavage.
- Bitter taste (KCl) distinguishes from halite (NaCl).
- Major source of potash for fertilizer industry.
- “Sylvinite” is the rock-name for halite-sylvite ore mixtures.
Notable Localities
Stassfurt (Germany) is the type-locality. Saskatchewan (Canada), Solikamsk (Russia), and Carlsbad (New Mexico) host major potash mines.
Found at these Localities
- Searles Lake (瑟尔斯湖蒸发岩)
