Löweite
| Löweite | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General | |
| Category | Sulfate minerals |
| Formula | Na12Mg7(SO4)13·15H2O |
| Strunz classification | 7.CC.45 |
| Dana classification | 29.04.03.01 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal |
| Crystal class | Trigonal-rhombohedral (3) |
| Space group | R3 (No. 148) |
| Unit cell | a = 18.86 Å; c = 13.40 Å; Z = 3 |
| Identification | |
| Color | Colorless; reddish-yellow to orange with impurities |
| Mohs scale hardness | 2.5–3 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent to translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.36–2.42 |
| Optical properties | Uniaxial (–) |
| Refractive index | nω = 1.490; nε = 1.471 |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.019 |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
Löweite is a rare evaporite sulfate mineral, with the chemical formula Na12Mg7(SO4)13·15H2O.[1]
It crystallizes in the hexagonal–trigonal system (space group R3), and is found in marine salt deposits, saline playa crusts, and occasionally as a volcanic sublimation product.
It is colorless, but may appear reddish-yellow due to impurities.[2] Löweite has a vitreous luster and a Mohs hardness of 2.5–3.[3]
Discovery
Loweite was discovered in 1846 in at the Bad Ischler Salzberg near Bad Ischl, Austria.[2] and described and classified by the Austrian mineralogist Wilhelm Haidinger in 1847.[2] It is named in honor of the Austrian chemist Alexander Löwe.[3]
References
- ↑ "Loweite Mineral Data". webmineral.com. Retrieved 2026-02-21.
- 1 2 3 "Löweite". Mindat.org. Retrieved 2026-02-21.
- 1 2 "Löweite" (PDF). Mineral Data Publishing. Retrieved February 23, 2026.