Sylvite
Sylvite is a halide mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with known Chinese sources.
About Sylvite
Sylvite belongs to the halide class in the halite group and has the chemical formula KCl. It crystallizes in the isometric system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market.
Identification & care
Crystals commonly develop as cubic crystals (sometimes with octahedral modifications); massive; granular. Its color range is broad, including colorless, white, gray, yellowish, bluish, and reddish (inclusions). The luster is vitreous, the streak is white, and specimens range from transparent to translucent. The cleavage is perfect on {001} — cubic (three perpendicular directions). The fracture is uneven, which aids identification.
Collector context
Collector notes
For collectors, Sylvite is a benchmark crystalline species. Sylvite is widely represented across Chinese provinces, including Yunnan, Sichuan, Inner Mongolia, Tibet.