carnallite
carnallite, a soft, white halide mineral, hydrated potassium and magnesium chloride (KMgCl3Β·6H2O), that is a source of potassium for fertilizers. Carnallite occurs with other chloride minerals in the upper layers of marine salt deposits, where it appears to be an alteration product of pre-existing salts. The mineral is found principally in the northern German salt deposits; and also in Spain, Tunisia, and the southwestern United States. For detailed physical properties, see halide mineral (table).
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title:
carnallite
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
09 January 2019
Access Date:
November 13, 2026