Images
Formula: Na2CO3.10H2O
Hydrated normal carbonate
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 1.478 measured, 1.458 calculated
Hardness: 1
Streak: White
Colour: Colourless, white, grey, yellow
Solubility: Soluble in water forming alkali solution, effervesces in acid.
Environments:
On slight heating natron decomposes to thermonatrite and H2O.
It forms from water solution below 32oC but when other salts are present the temperature limit may be lower.
It occurs in soda lakes. In the Eastern Gobi desert it is associated with
thermonatrite, trona,
gaylussite and calcite
(Dana).
Back to Minerals