Picromerite
1 in the gallery
Picromerite is a hydrated potassium magnesium sulfate mineral, occurring as colorless to white crystals that can be tabular or prismatic with a vitreous to silky luster. It forms in evaporite environments and often occurs with other sulfate minerals, occasionally displaying well-formed crystals in thin, transparent faces. Crystallographic habits range from slender prisms to compact aggregates, and specimens from classic evaporite localities tend to be well-preserved and attractive under reflected light.
- Formula
- K2Mg(SO4)2 · 6H2O
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Moderately Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
Where Picromerite is found
Top localities
- Falotta1 specimen
About Picromerite
Notable specimens have been reported from German and Swiss localities, where graceful, glassy crystals have been collected from sulfates-rich deposits. In hand specimens, picromerite’s pristine clarity and delicate transparency make it appealing to crystallographers and mineral enthusiasts alike, and its rarity adds to its appeal for dedicated collectors. The mineral’s composition—potassium, magnesium sulfate with six water molecules—helps explain its stability in low-temperature, hydrated environments and its tendency to dehydrate under prolonged heat, which can influence specimen condition during storage and display.