What is Natrite?
Natrite is an anhydrous sodium carbonate mineral from alkaline complexes, valued for its soluble chemistry and rare natural occurrence.
Mineralogy and crystal structure
Reference formula: Na2CO3. Natrite is a monoclinic sodium carbonate and can be confused with other soluble evaporite minerals. Its occurrence in alkaline massifs links simple carbonate chemistry with unusual magmatic fluids. Natrite is classified with carbonates and has a monoclinic crystal system. Typical hardness is 1–1.5 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 2.5–2.6.
Colour, lustre and habit
Typical colours include colourless, white, grey. The usual prismatic, granular, crusty habit and vitreous, pearly lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and notable localities
Natrite forms in or is associated with alkaline igneous complexes, fumarolic environments and evaporitic sodium-carbonate deposits. Important documented localities include Russia, Tanzania, Kenya, the United States and Canada.
A soluble carbonate from an alkaline massif
Natrite is a small crystal with a large chemical message: sodium carbonate can form in highly alkaline systems far from ordinary sedimentary salt beds.
Collecting and care
Keep absolutely dry, avoid water and acids, and protect the very soft crystals from abrasion.
