Niter
Image: <bdi><a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:ComputerHotline" title="User:ComputerHotline">Thomas Bresson</a></bdi> (CC BY 3.0)
Mineral NameNiter
Chemical FormulaKNO₃
Mohs Hardness2
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {011}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.11
Colorswhite, colorless, gray
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityArid regions, caves, and as efflorescence on walls; historically found in Chile, India, Spain.
Mineral GroupNitrates
Usesfertilizer, gunpowder, food preservation, pyrotechnics
Associated Mineralsgypsum, other nitrates, organic matter
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image displays a delicate, fibrous to acicular growth of white to colorless crystals, resembling fine hairs or a cottony mass, forming an efflorescence on a yellowish substrate.
Geological Context
Niter forms as an efflorescence in arid environments, caves, and on walls where organic matter decomposes, releasing nitrogen that combines with potassium. It is a secondary mineral, often found in dry, protected areas.
