Kalicinite

Kalicinite is a rare mineral composed of sodium bicarbonate, with the chemical formula NaHCO3. It is the stable solid form of sodium bicarbonate under certain low-temperature and high-humidity conditions. Kalicinite typically forms as fine, powdery efflorescences or crusts on mineral surfaces, particularly in arid or semi-arid environments where evaporation is high. It is often found in association with other evaporite minerals such as thenardite, glauberite, and halite. The mineral's name is derived from the Greek words "kalios" meaning beautiful and "kinetos" meaning moved, likely referring to its delicate, often powdery appearance and its tendency to be easily dispersed by wind. Kalicinite is white or colorless and has a vitreous to pearly luster. It is soluble in water and has a salty taste. While not economically significant due to its rarity and ephemeral nature, kalicinite provides insight into the geological processes occurring in evaporite-forming environments. It can also be found in certain cave formations where water containing dissolved bicarbonate evaporates.