Trona
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameTrona
Chemical FormulaNa₃(HCO₃)(CO₃)·2H₂O
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {100}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.11
Colorsyellowish-white, pale yellow, colorless, white, gray
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityOwens Lake, Owens Valley, Inyo County, California
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usesindustrial, chemical production, soda ash source
Associated Mineralshalite, nahcolite, thermonatrite, gaylussite, borax
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen features a cluster of elongated, somewhat tabular to prismatic, yellowish-white crystals with a vitreous luster, growing from a base of smaller, granular material.
Geological Context
Trona is an evaporite mineral that forms in arid regions within saline alkaline lakes and playas, precipitating from highly concentrated brines as water evaporates. It is often found in large sedimentary deposits.
