THE GEMSTONE LIBRARY
Dickite
This September collection arrived under the mineral name Dickite. Its gentle surfaces and subtle variation invite a closer look at one member of the kaolin group.
What is dickite?
Dickite is a recognized clay mineral in the kaolinite subgroup, with the formula Al2Si2O5(OH)4. It shares that composition with related kaolin minerals that differ in their crystal structures. Specialized analysis, especially X-ray diffraction, can help separate dickite from kaolinite, nacrite and other look-alike fine-grained materials.
How this collection differs from Blue Dickite
These are the newly photographed stones supplied as Dickite in September 2025. The separate Blue Dickite page concerns a different collection and its own identification history; its sample-specific conclusions do not establish the composition of this one. We have not published an analysis for the pictured Dickite pieces or verified their source locality.
Care
Handle gently, keep dry when practical, and avoid abrasive or chemical cleaning. A soft, dry cloth is a good first choice for polished pieces when the exact mineral mixture and surface treatment are unknown.
Sources
- CSIRO Spectroscopy Database · Dickite classification and formula
- U.S. Geological Survey · Kaolinite-group mineral identification
The mineral information describes dickite generally; it is not a laboratory identification of the photographed pieces.