Kaliophilite Locality: Monte Somma , Somma-Vesuvius Complex, Naples Province , Campania , Italy ( Locality at mindat.org ) Field of view 5 mm. Specimen and photo Leon Hupperichs. — Photo: Leon Hupperichs · CC BY-SA 3.0
Kaliophilite
A potassium feldspathoid — the hexagonal polymorph of kalsilite — found in potassium-rich volcanic rocks.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Kaliophilite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula KAlSiO₄.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system. It is a member of the Tridymite-Nepheline structural group.
Key properties: Mohs hardness 6; specific gravity 2.49–2.65; Silky, brilliant luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Klp, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1887.
Found in blocks of biotite-pyroxenite volcanic ejecta.
It is found associated with Biotite, pyroxene, augite, melilite, calcite (Monte Somma, Italy); clinopyroxene, garnet, leucite, haüyne, latiumite (Albano, Italy).
Its name comes from the Greek for potassium, kalium, and for “friend”, recognizing potassium's presence.