Canadian Rockhound: Potash

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Potash
By Doug Miller

Potash ore (sylvinite) is composed of the two minerals halite, (NaCl: sodium chloride), sylvite (KCl: potassium chloride) and insoluble clay. Percentages are approximately 45%, 50% and 5% respectively.

The Saskatchewan potash deposits were left behind by an ancient sea and currently reside a bit more than 1,000 meters below ground level. Saskatchewan potash mines produce about 10 million tons of potash of muriate each year (about 30% of the world total). Recoverable reserves are estimated at 118 billion tons, representing 40% of the world reserves, and should be enough for another 100 years or so.

The fertilizer industry uses 95% of all potash production. Saskatchewan production is consumed locally (5%), exported to the US (70%) and exported out of North America (25%). This industry directly employs 3,300 people in Saskatchewan.

Potash ore does not typically make an aesthetic mineral specimen or have much use for lapidary purposes. There are exceptions as I have previously noted (see Halite, Canadian Rockhound, Spring 1997), but these are rare. However, if you want them, sample bags of potash ore and literature can be obtained from the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan. Either drop by their offices or contact them at:

Permission is given to freely reprint this article from the Canadian Rockhound for non-commercial and educational purposes, provided the author and the Canadian Rockhound are acknowledged, and that the website URL address of the Canadian Rockhound is given. The article may not be edited or rewritten to change its meaning or substance without the author's permission. To contact the author, please use the e-mail address provided. Courtesy copies of newsletters using this article are requested for the author.

The preceding article was first published in the Summer 1997 issue of the Saskatoon Lapidary & Mineral Club newsletter. Reprinted in the Canadian Rockhound with permission from the author.