Wenkite is a rare framework silicate mineral first discovered in the Swiss Alps. It typically occurs as small, bright gray hexagonal prisms within metamorphic limestone environments, and is highly sought after by systematic mineral collectors.

Hardness

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous to pearly, somewhat greasy on fractures

Streak

White

Transparency

Transparent

mineralrareCancrinite Group family

Wenkite

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous to pearly, somewhat greasy on fractures
Streak: White
Transparency: Transparent

No image

Is this wenkite?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch wenkite with a known reference. Wenkite sits at Mohs 6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: white.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous to pearly, somewhat greasy on fractures.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: light gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: hexagonal. Typical habit: columnar.

Often confused with

Wenkite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

Often found alongside wenkite

Minerals reported to co-occur with wenkite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: Ba₄Ca₆(Si,Al)₂₀O₄₁(OH)₂(SO₄)₃·H₂O
Mohs hardness: 6
Density: 3.19-3.24 g/cm³
Colors: Light gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous to pearly, somewhat greasy on fractures
Transparency: Transparent
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Crystal habit: Columnar
Cleavage: Prismatic, very poor; pinacoidal parting
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Formed between barite layers and calc-silicate rock, a product of strong metamorphism of marbles (Candoglia, Italy)

Where rockhounds find wenkite

Classic worldwide localities

Cava Mergozzoni, Candoglia, Piedmont, Italy

Field-hunting tip

Where it forms: Formed between barite layers and calc-silicate rock, a product of strong metamorphism of marbles (Candoglia, Italy). If you start seeing barite, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: columnar. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify wenkite?+

Mohs hardness is 6. Luster: vitreous to pearly, somewhat greasy on fractures. The streak is white. Common colors include light gray.

Where is wenkite found?+

Notable localities include Cava Mergozzoni, Candoglia, Piedmont, Italy.

What rocks look like wenkite?+

Wenkite is most often confused with Cancrinite, Davyne. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with wenkite?+

Wenkite commonly co-occurs with Barite, Calcite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does wenkite form in?+

Where it forms: Formed between barite layers and calc-silicate rock, a product of strong metamorphism of marbles (Candoglia, Italy). Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is wenkite used for?+

Wenkite is used in collector.

Find wenkite on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.