Name/Title
ThermonatriteEntry/Object ID
2009.62.31Description
Chemical Composition: Na2CO3·(H2O)
Crystal System: Orthorhombic System
Description: Common Name: Thermonatrite
Chemistry:Na2CO3·(H2O)
Group: Halides
Location: Alkali Lake, Oregon, USA
Description: Chalky white crystal hexagonal shape.
Physical Properties of Thermonatrite
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Cleavage: {100} Indistinct
Color: Colorless, Grayish yellow, Grayish, Yellowish, White.
Density: 2.255
Diaphaneity: Transparent to translucent
Fracture: Sectile - Curved shavings or scrapings produced by a knife blade, (e.g. graphite).
Hardness: 1 - Talc
Luster: Vitreous - Dull
Streak: white
Crystal Data: Orthorhombic. Point Group: mm2. Very rare in acicular crystals; typically
as powdery crusts and efflorescences.
Physical Properties: Cleavage: On {100}, difficult. Tenacity: Somewhat sectile.
Hardness = 1–1.5 D(meas.) = 2.255 (synthetic). D(calc.) = 2.262 Soluble in H2O, alkaline
taste; dehydrates readily.
Optical Properties: Transparent. Color: Colorless to white, gray, pale yellow; colorless in
transmitted light. Luster: Vitreous.
Optical Class: Biaxial (–). Orientation: X = b; Y = c; Z = a. Dispersion: r < v, weak.
= 1.420 = 1.506
= 1.524 2V(meas.) = 48
Cell Data: Space Group: P21bc (synthetic). a = 6.472(2) b = 10.724(3) c = 5.259(2)
Z = 4
Fracture: dull
Hardness: 1 Talc
Luster: Vitreous
Occurrence: This water-soluble mineral is found primarily in evaporite deposits and in arid climates where it may form as a surface deposit, or in volcanic fumaroles.
May originate as an alteration product of natrite.
Rock Type: Sedimentary
Specific Gravity: N/A
Streak: white
Texture: Microcrystaline
Variety: Thermonatrite is a carbonate mineral, hydrated sodium carbonate (Na2CO3·H2O), found near saline lakes as an evaporation product or on arid soil as an efflorescence. It is usually associated with natron (Na2CO3·10H2O) and trona, which alter to it upon partial dehydration; many reported deposits of natron are probably thermonatrite, because normal temperatures and dry air will cause the alteration. Natron, commonly found in solution, was used by ancient Egyptians as a preservative in mummification.Collection
RAGM Mineral CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2009.62Source or Donor
Museum Collection of MineralsAcquisition Method
DonationDimensions
Width
2 inDepth
4 inLength
3 inWeight
1.24 ozDimension Notes
Dimension taken at widest pointsLocation
Location
Shelf
CS-D-1Room
Curation StorageBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumCategory
StorageMoved By
Curtis GardnerDate
December 19, 2023Location
Drawer
Far RightShelf
Left 2nd Shelf, Left 2nd ShelfWall
SouthRoom
Delmar Smith HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumCategory
PermanentMoved By
Scott LonganDate
August 5, 2009Location
Container
CenterDrawer
2nd shelfShelf
Left side, Left sideWall
South wallRoom
Delmar Smith HallBuilding
Crater Rock MuseumCategory
PermanentMoved By
Scott LonganDate
August 5, 2009Location
Container
Right / FrontDrawer
2nd ShelfShelf
RightCabinet
Case #31Wall
East6Building
Freida Smith HallCategory
Permanent