Upsalite
Image: Johan Forsgren , Sara Frykstrand , Kathryn Grandfield, Albert Mihranyan, Maria Strømme (CC BY 3.0)
Mineral NameUpsalite
Chemical FormulaMgCO3
Crystal Systemamorphous
Lusterdull
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureearthy
Specific Gravity0.1
Colorswhite
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalitySynthesized in laboratories (first at Uppsala University, Sweden)
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesdesiccant, drug delivery, environmental remediation, gas storage
Rarityuncommon
Description
Electron microscopy images show Upsalite as a highly porous, sponge-like material with an irregular, nanoscale microstructure. Macroscopically, it is a fine white powder.
Geological Context
Upsalite is a synthetic material, not found naturally. It is produced in laboratories, typically through the reaction of magnesium oxide and carbon dioxide in a solvent, forming a mesoporous magnesium carbonate.
