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Naturally occurring mineral From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thermonatrite is a naturally occurring evaporite mineral form of sodium carbonate, Na2CO3·H2O.[2][3]
Thermonatrite | |
---|---|
General | |
Category | Carbonate mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) | Na2CO3·H2O |
IMA symbol | Tnat[1] |
Strunz classification | 5.CB.05 |
Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
Crystal class | Pyramidal (mm2) H-M symbol: (mm2) |
Space group | Pca21 |
Unit cell | a = 10.72 Å, b = 5.24 Å c = 6.46 Å; Z = 4 |
Identification | |
Colour | Colourless to grey or yellow, white |
Crystal habit | Acicular crystals rare; typically occurs as powdery crusts |
Cleavage | Poor to indistinct on {100} |
Fracture | Sectile |
Mohs scale hardness | 1 – 1+1⁄2 |
Lustre | Vitreous |
Diaphaneity | Transparent |
Specific gravity | 2.255 (measured on synthetic crystal) |
Optical properties | Biaxial (−) |
Refractive index | nα = 1.420 nβ = 1.506 nγ = 1.524 |
Birefringence | δ = 0.104 |
2V angle | 48° (measured) |
Solubility | Soluble in water |
Other characteristics | Readily dehydrates |
References | [2][3][4] |
It was first described in 1845.[4] Its name is from the Greek θερμός thermos, "heat", plus natron, because it may be a dehydration product of natron.[3]
Typical occurrence is in dry saline lake beds and as soil encrustations. It has been reported from volcanic fumaroles and in association with carbonatite-related veins. Common associated minerals include trona, natron and halite.[2]
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