 |
|
|
Sal ammoniac is one of the few minerals composed of ammonium (NH 4), and it is the best known of the ammonium-bearing minerals. It forms in natural fumaroles, where gas vents from underground from volcanic activity. It also forms from the process of the burning of coal in coal deposits. The formation of Sal ammoniac is unique, as it is created from sublimation, meaning it crystallizes directly from gaseous fumes and bypasses a liquid phase.
Sal ammoniac is highly soluble in water, and crystals can only be collected prior to a rainfall after their formation. A heavy rain will be enough to disintegrate an exposed Sal ammoniac crystal. In addition to its solubility, Sal ammoniac crystals can also be very delicate, and care should be exercised when handling them.
Sal ammoniac is easily synthesized. However, its natural crystal formations are unique in habit, unlike any other mineral. This, combined with its remarkable mode of formation, and its odd composition, make this a most unique mineral.
Sal ammoniac was named by the ancient Romans, who collected this material near the temple of Jupiter Ammon in Egypt, thereby calling it the salt [sal] of Ammon [ammonocius]. The name of the chemical compound ammonia was subsequently derived from Sal ammoniac. |
|
|
Chemical Formula |
NH4Cl |
|
Composition |
Ammonium chloride |
|
Color |
White, light gray, light yellow |
|
Streak |
White |
|
Hardness |
1 - 2 |
|
Crystal System |
Isometric |
|
|
|
Crystal Forms
and Aggregates |
Most famous for its snowflake, feather-like, or skeletal-like crystals branching off a central dendritic spine. These unique habits are often doubly terminated. Crystal types include trapezohedral, octahedral, cubic, or dodecahedral, and these usually have complex or rounded faces. Individual crystals are usually microscopic, although larger crystals are still known. Also in crusty crystalline masses with stalactitic cores. |
|
Transparency |
Transparent to translucent |
|
Specific Gravity |
1.5 |
|
Luster |
Vitreous, dull |
|
Cleavage |
1,3 |
|
Fracture |
Conchoidal |
|
Tenacity |
Brittle |
|
Other ID Marks |
1) Has a pungent, astringent taste. 2) Highly soluble in water. |
|
In Group |
Halides |
|
Striking Features |
Mode of occurrence and taste. |
| Environment |
In volcanic fumarole deposits of fresh eruptions, where rainfall that would have melted the crystals had not yet occurred. Also in underground burning coal seams in lignite deposits. |
| Rock Type |
Igneous, Sedimentary |
|
Popularity (1-4)
|
3 |
|
Prevalence (1-3)
|
3 |
|
Demand (1-3) |
2 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Naturally occurring Sal ammoniac crystals are uncommon and make unusual collector minerals, especially when interestingly formed in skeletal or snowflake-like crystal masses. Sal ammoniac is easily produced synthetically, and has many uses, especially as a cleaning agent in several industrial processes. It is used in the production of stained-glass windows, in making jewelry and metallic alloys, in photography, and in battery production. It is also used in production of food, including salty licorice.
|
The best-known examples of Sal ammoniac, with their typical skeletal or dendritic growths, are from Ravat, in the Tien Shan Mountains, Tajikistan.
Sal ammoniac was first described at Monte Somma, at Mount Vesuvius, Campania, Italy, where it formed from fumarole activity on this famous volcano. Another important Italian volcanic locality is the La Fossa Crater, on Vulcano Island, Italy. Other significant European localities include the São Pedro da Cova Mine, Gondomar, Portugal; and the Kladno Mine, Libušin, Bohemia, Czech Republic. In Mexico, Sal ammoniac has been found at the Paricutin volcano, Michoacan, Mexico. An interesting occurrence was the Huron River shale fire, Huron Co., Ohio, which formed complex microcrystals of Sal ammoniac. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have a question about Sal ammoniac? Visit our Q&A Community and ask the experts!
|
|
|
|
Let us know how we can update this page
(Click for more details)
|
|
We strive for accurate content and locality information. If you feel any of the content is incorrect, or if you feel we are missing vital locality information, please fill out the form below so we can update the site. If you are requesting a locality be added, please only include significant locality occurences for the mineral.
|
 |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
