Hanksite

Item Description

Hanksite is a rare anhydrous chloro-carbonate of Potassium and Sodium first described in 1885. It is very unusual in that it consists of both sulfate and carbonate ion groups, which has led to some confusion about which group to place it in. At any rate, it forms nice crystals in evaporite deposits. This one is from the type locality at Searles Lake, and is a very good representation of the species. Sharp, fairly well-formed, hexagonal prism with a good termination and the typical smoky interior, with decent gemminess. If you don't have one, don't miss out.