Polyhalite

The multi-nutrient evaporite mineral

Polyhalite, a sedimentary rock specimen
Sedimentary

Polyhalite is a hydrated sulfate mineral containing potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur — four essential plant nutrients in one natural mineral. It forms in ancient evaporite sequences and has gained attention as a slow-release, organic-approved fertilizer alternative to conventional potash.

Composition

hydrated potassium calcium magnesium sulfate (K₂Ca₂Mg(SO₄)₄·2H₂O)

Where Found

Zechstein evaporites (Yorkshire, England — massive deposit), Permian Basin (New Mexico/Texas, USA), Stassfurt (Germany), Carlsbad (New Mexico, USA)

Mohs Hardness

2.5-3.5

Fun Fact

A vast polyhalite deposit discovered under the North York Moors in England may contain over 2.66 billion tons of the mineral — enough to supply global fertilizer markets for decades and currently the subject of a controversial mining project.

Test Your Knowledge

How many essential plant nutrients does polyhalite naturally contain in a single mineral?

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