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Mascagnite

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Mascagnite
Acicular crystals and flakes of Mascagnite
General
CategorySulfate mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
(NH4)2SO4
Strunz classification7.AD.05
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupPnam
Identification
ColorColorless, grey, yellowish-grey, yellow
CleavageDistinct/ good
On {001}
FractureIrregular/ uneven
TenacitySectile
Mohs scale hardness2 - 2+12
LusterVitreous, dull
DiaphaneityTransparent, translucent, opaque
Density1.768 g/cm3
References[1][2][3][4]

Mascagnite is a rare ammonium sulfate mineral (NH4)2SO4. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system typically forming as stalactitic masses exhibiting good cleavage. It is soft (not higher than 2.5 on the Mohs Scale) and water-soluble. Optical properties are variable; the purest form is transparent and colorless, but opaque gray or yellow deposits are also known.

It occurs in fumaroles, as at Mount Vesuvius and associated with coal seam fires. It was named for Italian anatomist Paolo Mascagni (1752–1815) who first described the mineral.

References