Letovicite

Letovicite (/lɛtˈvɪst/) is an ammonium sulfate mineral with composition (NH4)3H(SO4)2 (IUPAC: triammonium sulfate hydrogensulfate, Nickel–Strunz classification 07.AD.20).

Letovicite
White crystals of ammonium sulfate mineral letovicite from the Anna 2 Mine, Aachen, North Rhine - Westphalia, Germany.
General
CategorySulfate mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
(NH4)3H(SO4)2
Strunz classification07.AD.20
Dana classification28.1.3.1
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
Identification
ColorColorless, white
Crystal habitTiny pseudo-hexagonal plates, granular
TwinningLamellar twinning
CleavageDistinct on {001}
FractureUneven
Mohs scale hardness1-2
DiaphaneityTransparent
Specific gravity1.83
Optical propertiesBiaxial (-), colorless (transmitted light)
2V angle75° (calc.)
SolubilitySoluble in water

It is a rare colorless or white monoclinic secondary mineral formed during the burning of waste coal heaps and as a deposit in hot springs. It was first described from the Letovice region of Moravia in 1932. Geologic occurrences also include Austria, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, South Africa, Tajikistan and the United States.

References

Bibliography

  • Palache, P.; Berman H.; Frondel, C. (1960). "Dana's System of Mineralogy, Volume II: Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, Etc. (Seventh Edition)" John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, pp. 397.
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