Explanation

Sulfate minerals with a simple island like structure containing water. Monocline system, crystal is in short column, needle or plate shape; According to (001), twin is interpenetrated or according to (100), twin is contacted; Aggregates are dense block like, fibrous, or shell like. Pure ones are transparent and colorless, sometimes appearing in white, light yellow, light green, and other colors. Streaks are white, and glass luster cleavage U00} is complete. Mohs hardness is 1.5-2, brittle, and density is 1.49g/cm3. It tastes cool and slightly bitter and salty, and is very soluble in water. It is produced in the chemical sediments of dry salt lakes and coexists with gypsum, halite, epsomite, thenardite, etc. It is the raw mineral material for extracting soda and making glass.

Classification