General Information:
Chemical Formula:
MgSO4·7(H2O)
Composition:
(Molecular Weight = 246.48 gm)
Magnesium 9.86 % Mg
Hydrogen 5.73 % H
Sulfur 13.01 % S
Oxygen 71.40 % O
Empirical Formula:
Mg(SO4)·7(H2O)
Environment:
White efflorescence on cave walls, volcanic exhalations, or deposited by Mg sulfate spring waters.
Locality:
Lake-bed deposits on Kruger Mountain, Oregon.
Name Origin:
The mineral has long been known from the deposits associated with the mineral waters at Epsom, Surrey, England.
Physical Properties:
Cleavage:
[010] Perfect, [101] Distinct
Color:
colorless, white, yellowish white, greenish white, or pinkish white.
Density:
1.67 - 1.68, Average = 1.67
Diaphaniety:
Transparent to translucent
Habits:
Fibrous - Crystals made up of fibers., Acicular - Occurs as needle-like crystals., Encrustations - Forms crust-like aggregates on matrix.
Hardness:
2-2.5 - Gypsum-Finger Nail
Luminescence:
None.
Luster:
Vitreous (Glassy)
Streak:
white
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