Cryptohalite
A variety of Minerals
What is Cryptohalite?
Ammonium fluorosilicate (also known as ammonium hexafluorosilicate, ammonium fluosilicate or ammonium silicofluoride) has the formula (NH4)2SiF6. It is a toxic chemical, like all salts of fluorosilicic acid. It is made of white crystals, which have at least three polymorphs and appears in nature as rare minerals cryptohalite or bararite.
Uses & Applications
Ammonium fluorosilicate finds use as a disinfectant, and it is useful in etching glass, metal casting, and electroplating. It is also used to help neutralize washing machine water as laundry sour.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Cryptohalite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Cryptohalite Localities Map
See where Cryptohalite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Cryptohalite
Ammonium fluorosilicate has three major polymorphs: α-(NH4)2[SiF6] form is cubic (space group Fm3m, No. 225) and corresponds to the mineral cryptohalite. The β form is trigonal (scalenohedral) and occurs in nature as mineral bararite. A third (γ) form was discovered in 2001 and identified with the hexagonal 6mm symmetry. In all three configurations, the [SiF6] octahedra are arranged in layers. In the α form, these layers are perpendicular to [111] directions. In the β- and γ- forms, the layers are perpendicular to the c-axis. (Note: trigonal symmetry is part of the hexagonal group, but not all hexagonal crystals are trigonal.) The silicon atoms of α-(NH4)2[SiF6] (alpha), have cubic close packing (CCP). The γ form has hexagonal close packing and the β-(NH4)2[SiF6] has primitive hexagonal packing. In all three phases, 12 fluorine atoms neighbor the (NH4). Although bararite was claimed to be metastable at room temperature, it does not appear one polymorph has ever turned into another. Still, bararite is fragile enough that grinding it for spectroscopy will produce a little cryptohalite. Even so, ammonium fluorosilicate assumes a trigonal form at pressures of 0.2 to 0.3 GPa. The reaction is irreversible. If it is not bararite, the phase is at least very closely related. The hydrogen bonding in (NH4)2[SiF6] allows this salt to change phases in ways that normal salts cannot. Interactions between cations and anions are especially important in how ammonium salts change phase. (To learn more about the β-structure, see Bararite.)
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless, white, grey; colourless in transmitted light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.029 g/cm³
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (NH4)2[SiF6]
- Elements
- F, H, N, Si
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Cryptohalite FAQs
How do I identify Cryptohalite?
Cryptohalite can be identified by its hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Cryptohalite?
Cryptohalite typically appears in Colourless, white, grey; colourless in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Cryptohalite?
Cryptohalite has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the composition of cryptohalite of Cryptohalite?
Ammonium fluorosilicate has three major polymorphs: α-(NH4)2[SiF6] form is cubic (space group Fm3m, No. 225) and corresponds to the mineral cryptohalite. The β form is trigonal (scalenohedral) and occurs in nature as mineral bararite. A third (γ) form was discovered in 2001 and identified with the hexagonal 6mm symmetry. In all three configurations, the [SiF6] octahedra are arranged in layers. In the α form, these layers are perpendicular to [111] directions. In the β- and γ- forms, the layers are perpendicular to the c-axis. (Note: trigonal symmetry is part of the hexagonal group, but not all hexagonal crystals are trigonal.) The silicon atoms of α-(NH4)2[SiF6] (alpha), have cubic close packing (CCP). The γ form has hexagonal close packing and the β-(NH4)2[SiF6] has primitive hexagonal packing. In all three phases, 12 fluorine atoms neighbor the (NH4). Although bararite was claimed to be metastable at room temperature, it does not appear one polymorph has ever turned into another. Still, bararite is fragile enough that grinding it for spectroscopy will produce a little cryptohalite. Even so, ammonium fluorosilicate assumes a trigonal form at pressures of 0.2 to 0.3 GPa. The reaction is irreversible. If it is not bararite, the phase is at least very closely related. The hydrogen bonding in (NH4)2[SiF6] allows this salt to change phases in ways that normal salts cannot. Interactions between cations and anions are especially important in how ammonium salts change phase. (To learn more about the β-structure, see Bararite.)
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