Where is Caliche found?
Pedogenic Calcrete
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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 Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California, particularly in desert and semi-arid regions.
Australia
Widespread in the arid and semi-arid interior, often referred to as 'calcrete'.
North Africa and Middle East
Common in desert environments, forming significant surface and subsurface layers.
Mediterranean Basin
Present in countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, reflecting past and present arid/semi-arid conditions.
India
Known as 'kankar', it is widely distributed in the drier parts of the subcontinent.
Collecting tips
- Look for Arid/Semi-Arid Climates. Caliche is a hallmark of dry regions. Focus your search in deserts, steppes, and areas with distinct wet and dry seasons.
- Exposed Soil Profiles. Road cuts, stream banks, and construction sites often expose soil horizons where caliche layers are visible.
- White to Light-Colored Layers. Look for distinct white, cream, or light gray layers within the soil profile, often harder than the surrounding soil.
- Effervescence with Acid. A drop of dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) will cause caliche to effervesce (fizz) due to its calcium carbonate content. This is a key diagnostic test.
- Associated with Desert Pavement. In some areas, caliche can be found beneath desert pavement, where it helps cement the surface clasts.
Quick Check
- Color:
- White to light brown/gray
- Luster:
- Dull to earthy
- Streak:
- White
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