Category Sulfate minerals Strunz classification 7.CD.10 Space group P21/c | Formula(repeating unit) Na2SO4·10H2O Crystal system Monoclinic | |
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Crystal class Prismatic (2/m)(same H-M symbol) | ||
Mirabilite crystallisation
Mirabilite, also known as Glauber's salt, is a hydrous sodium sulfate mineral with the chemical formula Na2SO4·10H2O. It is a vitreous, colorless to white monoclinic mineral that forms as an evaporite from sodium sulfate-bearing brines. It is found around saline springs and along saline playa lakes. Associated minerals include gypsum, halite, thenardite, trona, glauberite, and epsomite.
Contents
Mirabilite is unstable and quickly dehydrates in dry air, the prismatic crystals turning into a white powder, thenardite (Na2SO4). In turn, thenardite can also absorb water and converts to mirabilite.
Mirabilite is used as a purgative in the Traditional Chinese medicine; in Mandarin, it is called máng xiāo. Its name is based on the phrase "Sal mirabilis" (Latin for "wonderful salt") used by Johann Rudolph Glauber when he inadvertently synthesized mirabilite.
Rapid crystal growth mirabilite
