Chemistry:Shortite

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Shortite
Shortite-20224.jpg
General
CategoryCarbonate minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
Na2Ca2(CO3)3
Strunz classification5.AC.25
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classPyramidal (mm2)
H-M symbol: (mm2)
Space groupAmm2
Identification
ColourColourless, light yellow, light green
CleavageDistinct/good on {010}
FractureConchoidal
Mohs scale hardness3
Vitreous|re|er}}Vitreous
DiaphaneityTransparent
Specific gravity2.6
Density2.6
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)
Refractive indexnα = 1.531 nβ = 1.555 nγ = 1.570
Birefringence0.039
Dispersionr < v moderate

Shortite is a sodium-calcium carbonate mineral, with the chemical formula Na2Ca2(CO3)3. It was discovered by J. J. Fahey in well cuttings from the Green River Formation, Sweetwater County, Wyoming, US, and was named to honor Maxwell N. Short (1889–1952), Professor of Mineralogy, University of Arizona.

Shortite is associated with commercial trona ores, and some care must be taken when beneficiating crude trona to avoid contamination with shortite.[2]

See also

References

  1. Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine 85 (3): 291–320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. Bibcode2021MinM...85..291W. 
  2. McKetta, John J. (1995) "Slurry Systems, Instrumentation to Solid–Liquid Separation", Encyclopedia of Chemical Processing and Design, ISBN:0-8247-2602-2