Where is Caliche found?
Caliche (pedogenic carbonate)
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Open the appCaliche occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Caliche
Southwestern United States
Extensive deposits in states like Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and California, particularly in desert and semi-desert environments.
Australia
Widespread in arid and semi-arid interior regions, often referred to as calcrete.
North Africa and Middle East
Common in desert landscapes, forming extensive duricrusts.
Mediterranean Basin
Present in areas with suitable climatic conditions, often associated with ancient land surfaces.
South America
Found in arid regions, such as parts of Argentina and Chile.
Collecting tips
- Look for Arid/Semi-Arid Climates. Caliche is characteristic of dry regions. Focus your search in deserts, grasslands, and areas with low annual rainfall and high evaporation rates.
- Examine Soil Profiles and Road Cuts. Caliche often forms distinct layers within soil profiles. Road cuts, excavations, and eroded slopes can expose these layers, which may appear as white, hard bands.
- Test for Carbonate. Since caliche is primarily calcium carbonate, it will effervesce (fizz) vigorously when a drop of dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) is applied. This is a key diagnostic test.
- Observe Surface Features. In some areas, caliche can form a hard surface layer (duricrust) that is resistant to erosion, creating distinctive landforms or pavements.
Quick Check
- Color:
- White to pale gray/brown
- Luster:
- Dull to earthy
- Streak:
- White
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