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(CO₃)(HCO₃)·2H₂O
Mohs Hardness2.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {100}, good on {110}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.13
Colorscolorless, white, gray, yellowish-white, pale yellow
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityOwens Lake, Owens Valley, Inyo County, California
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usesindustrial, chemical production, detergents, glass manufacturing
Associated Mineralshalite, nahcolite, thermonatrite, natron, borax
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen features a cluster of pale yellow to cream-colored Trona crystals, forming an aggregate with a somewhat platy or tabular habit and a vitreous to dull luster.
Geological Context
Trona is an evaporite mineral that forms in arid environments, typically precipitating from highly alkaline and saline lake waters (playas) or in desert soils.
