carnallitt

Carnallite is a hydrated potassium magnesium chloride mineral with the chemical formula KMgCl3·6H2O. It is a soft, translucent, white to yellowish or colorless mineral. Carnallite is typically found in evaporite deposits, which are sedimentary rocks formed from the evaporation of water bodies. It is commonly associated with other evaporite minerals such as halite, sylvite, and kieserite.

The mineral was first described in 1856 and named after Rudolf von Carnall, a Prussian mining engineer. Carnallite is primarily found in large salt deposits, particularly those associated with ancient inland seas or salt lakes. Significant occurrences are found in Germany (Stassfurt), France (Alsace), the United States (New Mexico), and Russia.

Due to its relatively low melting point and its hygroscopic nature, carnallite can be challenging to mine and process. It readily absorbs moisture from the air, making it deliquescent. Despite these challenges, carnallite is an important industrial mineral. It serves as a primary source of potassium and magnesium, which are essential elements for fertilizers, agriculture, and various industrial applications. The extraction of potassium chloride from carnallite is a significant process in the fertilizer industry.