Mindat Logo
Home Page Log In Message Board The Mindat Directory
Register Search Pages Chat Now! (2 online) Mindat Auctions

Mascagnite

Big Photo

Shamokin, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, USA
© 2008, J. Weissman

Show Mascagnite Photos (7)
Formula:
(NH
 
4
)
 
2
SO
 
4
System: Orthorhombic Colour: Colourless, grey, ...
Lustre: Vitreous, Dull Hardness: 2 - 2½
Name: After Paolo Mascagni (1755-1815), Professor of Anatomy, University of Siena, who first described the natural material.


Mascagnite-Arcanite Series. Slightly hygroscopic.

Occurs at active volcanic fumaroles, hot springs, and on burning coal mine dumps.

Classification of Mascagnite

IMA status: Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Strunz 8th edition ID: 6/A.07-30
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID: 7.AD.05

7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
A : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, without H2O
D : With only large cations
Dana 8th edition ID: 28.2.1.1

28 : ANHYDROUS ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
2 : A2XO4
Hey's CIM Ref.: 25.1.8

25 : Sulphates
1 : Sulphates of the alkali metals and ammonium
mindat.org URL: http://www.mindat.org/min-2584.html
Please feel free to link to this page.

Physical Properties of Mascagnite

Lustre: Vitreous, Dull
Diaphaneity (Transparency): Transparent, Translucent, Opaque
Colour: Colourless, grey, yellowish-grey, yellow; colourless in transmitted light
Hardness (Mohs): 2 - 2½
Tenacity: Sectile
Cleavage: Distinct/Good
On {001}.
Parting: Twin gliding with K1(110), K2(13¯0).
Fracture: Irregular/Uneven
Density (measured): 1.768 g/cm3
Density (calculated): 1.765 g/cm3

Crystallography of Mascagnite

Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Class (H-M): mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) - Dipyramidal
Cell Parameters: a = 7.78Ã…, b = 5.99Ã…, c = 10.63Ã…
Ratio: a:b:c = 1.299 : 1 : 1.775
Unit Cell Volume: V 495.38 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology: Well-formed natural crystals are rare. Mealy crusts and stalactitic forms. Artificial crystals equant to short prismatic [001], frequently flattened {010}; also prismatic [100]; also flattened {100}, rare.
Twinning: On {110} common, often repeated yielding a pseudo-hexagonal habit; also polysynthetic.

Optical Data of Mascagnite

Type: Biaxial (+)
RI values: nα = 1.520 nβ = 1.523 nγ = 1.533
2V: Measured: 52° , Calculated: 58°
Maximum Birefringence: δ = 0.013
[image]
Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief: Low
Dispersion: relatively strong

Chemical Properties of Mascagnite

Formula:
(NH
 
4
)
 
2
SO
 
4
Essential elements: H, N, O, S
All elements listed in formula: H, N, O, S

Relationship of Mascagnite to other Species

Series: Forms a series with Arcanite (see here)
Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
7.AD.05 Arcanite
K
 
2
SO
 
4
7.AD.10 Mercallite
KHSO
 
4
7.AD.15 Misenite
K
 
8
H
 
6
(SO
 
4
)
 
7
7.AD.20 Letovicite
(NH
 
4
)
 
3
H(SO
 
4
)
 
2
7.AD.25 Glauberite
Na
 
2
Ca(SO
 
4
)
 
2
7.AD.30 Anhydrite
CaSO
 
4
7.AD.35 Anglesite
PbSO
 
4
7.AD.35 Baryte
BaSO
 
4
7.AD.35 Celestine
SrSO
 
4
7.AD.35 Olsacherite
Pb
 
2
SO
 
4
SeO
 
4
7.AD.40 Kalistrontite
K
 
2
Sr(SO
 
4
)
 
2
7.AD.40 Palmierite
(K,Na)
 
2
Pb(SO
 
4
)
 
2
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
25.1.1 Thenardite
Na
 
2
SO
 
4
25.1.2 Matteuccite
NaHSO
 
4
·H
 
2
O
25.1.3 Mirabilite
Na
 
2
SO
 
4
·10H
 
2
O
25.1.4 Arcanite
K
 
2
SO
 
4
25.1.5 Mercallite
KHSO
 
4
25.1.6 Misenite
K
 
8
H
 
6
(SO
 
4
)
 
7
25.1.7 Aphthitalite
(K,Na)
 
3
Na(SO
 
4
)
 
2
25.1.9 Letovicite
(NH
 
4
)
 
3
H(SO
 
4
)
 
2
25.1.10 Ammonioalunite
(NH
 
4
)Al
 
3
[(OH)
 
3
|SO
 
4
]
 
2

Other Names for Mascagnite

Synonyms:
Mascagnine Sulfate of Ammonia
Other Languages:
French: Alkali volatil vitriolé
Ammoniaque sulfatée
Sel ammoniac vitriolique
German: Mascagnin
Mascagnit
Schwefelsaures Ammoniak
Italian: Sale ammoniacale composto d'acido sulfureo
Latin: Sal ammoniacum secretum Glauberi
Russian: МаÑканьит
Spanish: Mascagnita

Other Information

Thermal Behaviour: Melts when heated in air and decomposes at a low temperature.
Other Information: Slightly hygroscopic. Soluble in water.
Health Warning: No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

References for Mascagnite

Reference List: Sage, B.G. (1777) Eléméns de minéralogie docimastique, second edition, 2 volumes: 1: 62 (as Sel ammoniac vitriolique).

Mascagni (1779) Dei Lagoni del Senese..., Sienna: 36 (as Sale ammoniacale composto d'acido sulfureo)



Haüy, R.J. (1822) Traité de minéralogie, second edition, 4 volumes, with fol. Atlas: 2: 220 (as Ammoniaque sulfatée).

Mitscherlich (1830) Annalen der Physik, Halle, Leipzig: 18: 169 (artificial crystals).

Tutton (1904) Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, Leipzig: 38: 602.

Groth, P. (1908) Chemische Krystallographie. Leipzig. 5 volumes: vol. 2: 322.

Fischer (1911) Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie, Geologie und Paleontologie, Heidelberg, Beil.-Bd., Stuttgart: 32: 1.

Goldschmidt, V. (1920) Atlas der Krystallformen. 9 volumes, atlas, and text, vol. 6: 10.

Ogg (1928) Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: 5: 354.

Taylor and Boyer (1928) Memoires of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society: 72: 125.

Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 7th edition, revised and enlarged: 398-399.

Journal of the Physical Society of Japan: 50: 1266-1274.

Periodico di Mineralogia (1985): 54: 32.
Karsten, D.L.G. (1800) Mineralogische Tabellen, Berlin. First edition: 40, 75 (as Maskagnin).

Articles/Blogs about Mascagnite

Internet Links for Mascagnite

Search Engines:
Look for Mascagnite on Google Look for Mascagnite images on Google
External Links:
Look for Mascagnite on Webmineral Look for Mascagnite on Athena Mineralogy Look for Mascagnite on Wikipedia Look for Mascagnite on Mineralien Atlas Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database Search for Mascagnite in the Natural History Museum (London) online catalogue Mascagnite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
Mineral Dealers:
Mineral Classics - Worldwide Collector Quality Minerals and Gems Buy from David K Joyce minerals Rare and Unusual minerals at Mineralogical Research Company Top quality minerals from Kristalle of California Wendel Minerals - Auktion & Shop Buy Minerals and Crystals from Crystalarium.com Search for Mascagnite on minvision.com The Arkenstone - Fine Minerals Search for - Mascagnite - on e-Rocks Mineral Sales & Auctions Find Mascagnite on www.crystalclassics.co.uk Buy minerals from Mineralium.com rare and unusual minerals mainly crystallized
Jobs:
Mining & Geology Jobs

Page Sponsor

Sponsorship: This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.

Localities for Mascagnite

Hide Locality List
The map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the [image] symbol to view information about a locality. The [image] symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
These maps work faster with Firefox!
(TL) indicates type locality. ? indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. All other localities listed without reference should be considered as uncertain and unproven until references can be found.
Czech Republic
 
Bohemia (Böhmen; Boehmen)
Central Bohemia Region
Kladno
Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 399.
Libušin
Nejedly I Mine
No reference listed
Schoeller Mine (Schöller Mine)
David Parfitt collection
Hradec Králové Region
Trutnov (Trautenau)
Radvanice
Katerina Coal Mine
ŽáÄek, V., OndruÅ¡, P.: Mineralogy of recently formed sublimates from KateÅ™ina colliery in Radvanice, Eastern Bohemia, Czech Republic. Bulletin of the Czech geological survey, 1998, vol. 73, no. 2, s. 289-302.
Ústí Region
Bílina (Bilin)
Bílina coal mine
BouÅ¡ka, V., Dvořák, Z.: Nerosty severoÄeské hÄ›ndouhelné pánve. Praha: SeveroÄeské doly, a.s., 160 s.
Moravia (Mähren; Maehren)
South Moravia Region
Žeravice
Handbook of Mineralogy
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre)
 
Kivu
Nyamuragira volcano (Nyamlagira)
Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 399, 476.
France
 
Auvergne
Allier
Montluçon
Commentry
Coal mines
Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 399.
Germany
 
Baden-Württemberg
Black Forest
Wolfach
Oberwolfach
Rankach valley
Clara Mine
Walenta, K. (1992): Die Mineralien des Schwarzwaldes. Chr. Weise Verlag, München, 336 pp. (in German)
North Rhine-Westphalia
Aachen
Alsdorf
Anna Mine
Sindern, S., Warnsloh, J. M., Witzke, T., Havenith, V., Neef, R. & Etoundi, Y. (2005): Mineralogy and geochemistry of vents formed on the burning coal mining waste dump Anna I, Alsdorf, Germany. Eur. J. Mineral. 17, Beih. 1, 130.
Saxony
Dresden
Freital
Carola Mine
Thalheim, K.; Reichel, W. & Witzke, T. (1991): Die Minerale des Döhlener Beckens.- Schriften des Staatlichen Museums für Mineralogie und Geologie zu Dresden, Nr. 3
Thuringia
Gera
Ronneburg U deposit
Lichtenberg Absetzer Mine (dump)
T. Witzke & F. Rüger: Lapis 1998(7/8), 26-64
Hungary
 
Baranya Co.
Mecsek Mts.
Komló
Shaft No. III
Mineral Species of Hungary, 2005
Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén Co.
Borsodi Mts.
Múcsony
Szeles Shaft
Szakáll & Jánosi: Minerals of Hungary
Ormosbánya
Bükk Mts.
Miskolc
Lyukóbánya
Szakáll & Jánosi: Minerals of Hungary, 1995
Komárom-Esztergom Co.
Pilisi Basin
Esztergom
Lencse Hill
ACTA MIN. PETR. Suppl. Tomus XXXVIII., 1997
Veszprém Co.
Bakony Mts.
Ajka
Csinger Valley
Szakáll & Jánosi: Minerals of Hungary, 1995
Várpalota
Inota-Puszta
ACTA MIN. PETR. Suppl. Tomus XXXVIII., 1997
Italy
 
Campania
Naples Province
Somma-Vesuvius Complex
Mt. Vesuvius
Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 399; Russo, M., 2006: I minerali di formazione fumarolica della grande eruzione vesuviana del 1906
Phlegrean Volcanic Complex
Naples Province
Phlegrean Fields
Pozzuoli
Solfatara di Pozzuoli
De Michele, V. (1974). Guida mineralogica d'Italia. Istituto Geografico De Agostini, Novara, 2 vol
Sicily
Catania Province
Etna Volcanic Complex
Mt Etna
Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 399.
Messina Province
Lipari
Eolie Islands (Aeolian Islands)
Vulcano Island
La Fossa Crater
BOMBICCI L. (1875): Corso di mineralogia. - Bologna, 347.
Netherlands
 
Limburg
Kerkrade
Willem-Sophia
Peru
 
La Libertad Department
Guañape Island
Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 399,1104.
North Chincha Island
Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 399.
Russia
 
Urals Region
Chelyabinsk Oblast'
Chelyabinsk coal basin
Kopeisk
Coal mine No. 43
Slovakia
 
Banská Bystrica Region
Krupinská planina
Pôtor
Koděra, M. et al., 1986 a 1990 : Topografická mineralógia Slovenska, diel 1- 3, Veda – Vydavateľstvo SAV, Bratislava, 1990, 1 – 1590k
Tajikistan
 
Viloyati Sogd (Viloyati Sughd; Viloyati Khodzhent; Viloyati Leninabad)
Gissar Range
Fan-Yagnob Basin
Ravat Village
No reference listed
UK
 
England
Staffordshire
Stafford
Bradley
Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 399.
Scotland
Lothian (Mid Lothian)
Arniston
Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 399.
USA
 
California
Sonoma Co.
The Geysers
Palache et al (1951), Dana's System of Mineralogy, seventh ed., vol. II: 399.
Missouri
Pettis Co.
Smithton
R&M 73:2 pp 98-117
Pennsylvania
Columbia Co.
Centralia
Schuylkill Co.
Forestville
American Mineralogist (1977): 62: 316-320.
Shenandoah
Kehley's Run Mine
Reed, Juliet C. (1976), Annotated Biblio. of Minerals New to the Pennsylvania List 1965-1974, The Mineralogical Soc. of PA, Inc.: 55-56; Barnes, John H. & Lahham, Davis M. (1971), "Rare Minerals Found in PA," PA. Geol., Vol. 2(5):7-8;
Google
 
www.mindat.org Web
Copyright © Jolyon & Ida Ralph 1993-2008. Site Map. Locality, mineral & photograph data are the copyright of the individuals who submitted them.Further information contact the Site hosted & developed by Jolyon Ralph. Mindat.org is an online information resource dedicated to providing free mineralogical information to all. Mindat relies on the contributions of hundreds of members and supporters. If you would like to add information to improve the quality of our database, then click here to register.
Mineral and/or Locality

You are viewing a mobilized version of this site...
View original page here

How do you rate mobile version of this page?

Mobilized by Mowser Mowser