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Formula: (NH4)2(SO4)
Anhydrous sulphate, forms a series with arcanite
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 1.768 measured, 1.769 calculated
Hardness: 2 to 2½
Colour: Colourless, grey, yellowish grey, yellow; colourless in transmitted light
Solubility: Slightly hygroscopic. Soluble in water. Melts when heated in air and decomposes at a low temperature
(Mindat).
Environments
Mascagnite is a sublimation product in fumaroles and solfataras (volcanic steam vents); it is also formed by burning
coal seams. Associated minerals include salammoniac,
tschermigite, sylvite,
halite, sassolite,
boussingaultite, gypsum,
sulphur and cinnabar
(HOM).
Localities
The type locality is Travale, Montieri, Grosseto Province, Tuscany, Italy.
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