Thenardite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Capaccio" title="User:Capaccio">Capaccio</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameThenardite
Chemical FormulaNa2SO4
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemorthorhombic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagegood on {010}, poor on {100} and {101}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.66
Colorswhite, gray, yellowish, reddish, brownish
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityBoron, California, USA
Mineral GroupSulfates
Usesindustrial, collector
Associated Mineralsmirabilite, halite, gypsum
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen displays a cluster of pale orange-brown, somewhat tabular to prismatic crystals, forming a radiating or aggregated habit. The crystals show distinct faces and a generally dull to vitreous luster.
Geological Context
Thenardite is an evaporite mineral, commonly found in arid regions, salt lakes, and playas where saline waters evaporate. It can also form as an efflorescence in caves or mines.
