Chalconatronite is extremely rare at MSH. It was discovered by Dr Andy McDonald of Laurentian University on a few specimens during a field trip in 1998.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
- Color is usually blue or greenish-blue.
- Luster is (?).
- Diaphaneity is (?).
- Crystal System is monoclinic; P21/n.
- Crystal Habits include anhedral grains and crusts.
- Cleavage is non existent.
- Fracture is (?).
- Hardness is (?).
- Specific Gravity is approximately 2.27 g/cm3.
- Streak is (?).
- Associated Minerals include (?).
- Distinguishing Features: Color, soluble in water and cold acids.
- Origin: Named in 1955 after the composition: copper and natron (soda).
| Dana class # | 15.2.3.1 – Carbonates; hydrated carbonates |
| Strunz class # | V/D.02-70 – Nitrates, carbonates and borates; water-bearing carbonates without unfamiliar anions; thermonatrite – chalconatronite series |