Kalicinite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Kalicinite
Formula:
KHCO3
Colour:
Colourless, white, yellowish
Lustre:
Dull
Hardness:
1 - 2
Specific Gravity:
2.168
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
In allusion to the composition, containing potassium (Latin = KALIum)
Type Locality:
This page provides mineralogical data about Kalicinite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2305
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2305:0
IMA Classification of Kalicinite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
KH(CO3)
First published:
1865
Classification of Kalicinite
5.AA.20
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
A : Carbonates without additional anions, without H2O
A : Alkali carbonates
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
A : Carbonates without additional anions, without H2O
A : Alkali carbonates
13.1.2.1
13 : ACID CARBONATES
1 : Miscellaneous
13 : ACID CARBONATES
1 : Miscellaneous
11.1.8
11 : Carbonates
1 : Carbonates of the alkali metals and ammonium
11 : Carbonates
1 : Carbonates of the alkali metals and ammonium
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Kcn | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Kalicinite
Dull
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colourless, white, yellowish
Hardness:
1 - 2 on Mohs scale
Density:
2.168 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.15 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Kalicinite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.380 nβ = 1.482 nγ = 1.578
2V:
Measured: 81° , Calculated: 82°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.198
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r < v weak
Chemistry of Kalicinite
Mindat Formula:
KHCO3
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Kalicinite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Setting:
P21/a
Cell Parameters:
a = 15.1725(11) Å, b = 5.6283(5) Å, c = 3.7110(4) Å
β = 104.631°
β = 104.631°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 2.696 : 1 : 0.659
Unit Cell V:
306.63 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Fine-crystalline aggregates. Crystals shiort prismatic (artificial material).
Crystal Structure
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0003172 | Kalicinite | Kagi H, Nagai T, Loveday J S, Wada C, Parise J B (2003) Pressure-induced phase transformation of kalicinite (KHCO3) at 2.8 GPa and local structural changes around hydrogen atoms American Mineralogist 88 1446-1451 |  | 2003 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0003173 | Kalicinite | Kagi H, Nagai T, Loveday J S, Wada C, Parise J B (2003) Pressure-induced phase transformation of kalicinite (KHCO3) at 2.8 GPa and local structural changes around hydrogen atoms American Mineralogist 88 1446-1451 | | 2003 | 0.2 | 293 | |
| 0003174 | Kalicinite | Kagi H, Nagai T, Loveday J S, Wada C, Parise J B (2003) Pressure-induced phase transformation of kalicinite (KHCO3) at 2.8 GPa and local structural changes around hydrogen atoms American Mineralogist 88 1446-1451 | | 2003 | 1.8 | 293 | |
| 0003175 | Kalicinite | Kagi H, Nagai T, Loveday J S, Wada C, Parise J B (2003) Pressure-induced phase transformation of kalicinite (KHCO3) at 2.8 GPa and local structural changes around hydrogen atoms American Mineralogist 88 1446-1451 | | 2003 | 2.3 | 293 | |
| 0003176 | Kalicinite | Kagi H, Nagai T, Loveday J S, Wada C, Parise J B (2003) Pressure-induced phase transformation of kalicinite (KHCO3) at 2.8 GPa and local structural changes around hydrogen atoms American Mineralogist 88 1446-1451 | | 2003 | 2.5 | 293 | |
| 0009145 | Kalicinite | Nitta I, Tomiie Y, Koo C H (1952) The crystal structure of potassium bicarbonate, KHCO3 Acta Crystallographica 5 292-292 |  | 1952 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0009158 | Kalicinite | Nitta I, Tomiie Y, Koo C H (1954) On the relation among the results of various investigations on potassium bicarbonate, KHCO3 Acta Crystallographica 7 140-141 | | 1954 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0018502 | Kalicinite | Thomas J O, Tellgren R, Olovsson I (1974) Hydrogen-bond studies. LXXXIV. An X-ray diffraction study of the structures of KHCO3 and KDCO3 at 298, 219 and 95 K Acta Crystallographica B30 1155-1166 | | 1974 | Synthetic | 0 | 298 |
| 0018503 | Kalicinite | Thomas J O, Tellgren R, Olovsson I (1974) Hydrogen-bond studies. LXXXIV. An X-ray diffraction study of the structures of KHCO3 and KDCO3 at 298, 219 and 95 K Acta Crystallographica B30 1155-1166 | | 1974 | Synthetic | 0 | 219 |
| 0018504 | Kalicinite | Thomas J O, Tellgren R, Olovsson I (1974) Hydrogen-bond studies. LXXXIV. An X-ray diffraction study of the structures of KHCO3 and KDCO3 at 298, 219 and 95 K Note z-coordinate of O3 has been modified with a negative sign Acta Crystallographica B30 1155-1166 | | 1974 | Synthetic | 0 | 95 |
| 0018505 | Kalicinite | Thomas J O, Tellgren R, Olovsson I (1974) Hydrogen-bond studies. LXXXIV. An X-ray diffraction study of the structures of KHCO3 and KDCO3 at 298, 219 and 95 K Acta Crystallographica B30 1155-1166 | | 1974 | Synthetic | 0 | 298 |
| 0018506 | Kalicinite | Thomas J O, Tellgren R, Olovsson I (1974) Hydrogen-bond studies. LXXXIV. An X-ray diffraction study of the structures of KHCO3 and KDCO3 at 298, 219 and 95 K Acta Crystallographica B30 1155-1166 | | 1974 | Synthetic | 0 | 219 |
| 0018507 | Kalicinite | Thomas J O, Tellgren R, Olovsson I (1974) Hydrogen-bond studies. LXXXIV. An X-ray diffraction study of the structures of KHCO3 and KDCO3 at 298, 219 and 95 K Acta Crystallographica B30 1155-1166 | | 1974 | Synthetic | 0 | 95 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.67 Å | (100) |
| 2.630 Å | (90) |
| 2.863 Å | (85) |
| 2.816 Å | (80) |
| 2.97 Å | (75) |
| 2.377 Å | (35) |
| 1.832 Å | (30) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 4b: Highly evolved igneous rocks | >3.0 |
| 35 : Ultra-alkali and agpaitic igneous rocks | |
| 36 : Carbonatites, kimberlites, and related igneous rocks | |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 53 : Other minerals with taphonomic origins | <0.4 |
Type Occurrence of Kalicinite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Natural History Museum, Paris, France, 99.775.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Under a dead tree as a decomposition product of recent origin.
Synonyms of Kalicinite
Other Language Names for Kalicinite
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 1 photo of Kalicinite associated with Bobierrite | Mg3(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.AA.05 | Zabuyelite | Li2CO3 |
| 5.AA.10 | Natrite | Na2CO3 |
| 5.AA.10 | Gregoryite | (Na2,K2,Ca)CO3 |
| 5.AA.15 | Nahcolite | NaHCO3 |
| 5.AA.25 | Teschemacherite | (NH4)HCO3 |
| 5.AA.30 | Wegscheiderite | Na5H3(CO3)4 |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Thorium (Th) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Potassium (K) | 39.0533% | 12,107 | β, γ |
For comparison:
- Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
- Granite: 1,000–3,000 Bq/kg
- EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg
Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.
Interactive Simulator:
Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!
Activity: –
| Distance | Dose rate | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | ||
| 10 cm | ||
| 1 m |
The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).
D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
In the (matras, French, = closed tube(?)), gives water and a vegetable smell. Colors a flame purple.
Notes:
Soluble in water (33.3 g. per 100 g. H2O) at 20° C.
Effervesces in acids.
Effervesces in acids.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Kalicinite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2305.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
References for Kalicinite
Reference List:
Localities for Kalicinite
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Canada | |
| Fournier (1993) |
| FOURNIER (1993) | |
Russia | |
| J. Weissman collection +1 other reference |
Sweden | |
| Sandström et al. (2010) |
Switzerland (TL) | |
| Pisani (1865) +1 other reference |
Tanzania | |
| ZAITSEV et al. (2006) |
USA | |
| Garvie (2016) |
| Dietrich (1971) |
Quick NavTopAbout KaliciniteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Khibiny Massif, Murmansk Oblast, Russia