Metasideronatrite

metasideronatrite

sideronatrite

metavoltine

ungemachite

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Formula: Na2Fe3+(SO4)2(OH).H2O
Hydrated sulphate containing hydroxyl
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 2.68 measured, 2.68 calculated
Hardness: 1½ to 2½
Streak: Pale yellow
Colour: Yellow, golden yellow, orange, pale brown
Solubility: Insoluble in cold water, decomposes in boiling water, soluble in acids (Dana)
Environments

Hydrothermal environments

Metasideronatrite is an uncommon alteration product of pyrite, typically formed in arid climates but stably formed in sea-shore environments. Associated minerals include sideronatrite, metavoltine, ungemachite, ferrinatrite, alunogen, natrojarosite, pickeringite, sulphur, tamarugite, aluminocopiapite, metavoltine, mendozite, kornelite and gypsum (HOM). It reversibly rehydrates to sideronatrite depending on relative humidity and exposure to sunlight (Mindat).

Localities

At the type locality, Sierra Gorda, Antofagasta Province, Antofagasta, Chile, metasideronatrite occurs intimately associated with metavoltine, and less commonly with ferrinatrite, ungemachite, alums and natrojarosite (AM 23.733-734).

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