NaCO
Natrite is an extremely rare species at MSH. The specimens rapidly hydrate to thermonatrite after been collected; natrite is soluble in water.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is usually white.
Luster is dull.
Diaphaneity is translucent.
Crystal System is monoclinic; 2 or Cm
Crystal Habits include irregular grains to 2mm across.
Cleavage {001} is perfect, {100} and {110} are less perfect.
Fracture is (??).
Hardness is 3.5
Specific Gravity is approximately 2.55 g/cm
Streak is white.
Associated Minerals include aegirine, eudialyte, lovozerite, pyrite,
sérandite, sodalite, steenstrupine, ussingite and vuonnemite.
Distinguishing Features: Crystal habit.
Origin: Named in 1983 to reflect its sodium composition.
CLASSIFICATION:
Dana System
# 14.1.6.1
Strunz Classification
# V/B.01-50
REFERENCES:
MinRec 21:325 (1990), Dana 8:448 (1997)
DISTRIBUTION AND RARITY AT MONT SAINT-HILAIRE:
MSH
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