Gaylussite
A variety of Minerals
What is Gaylussite?
Gaylussite is a carbonate mineral, a hydrated sodium calcium carbonate, formula Na2Ca(CO3)2·5H2O. It occurs as translucent, vitreous white to grey to yellow monoclinic prismatic crystals. It is an unstable mineral which dehydrates in dry air and decomposes in water.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Gaylussite 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.
Gaylussite Localities Map
See where Gaylussite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Formation of Gaylussite
It is formed as an evaporite from alkali lacustrine waters. It also occurs rarely as veinlets in alkalic igneous rocks. It was first described in 1826 for an occurrence in Lagunillas, Mérida, Venezuela. It was named for French chemist Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac (1778–1850). The mineral has been recently (2014) reported from drill core in Lonar lake in Buldhana district, Maharashtra, India. Lonar lake was created by a meteor impact during the Pleistocene Epoch and it is one of only four known hyper-velocity impact craters in basaltic rock anywhere on Earth.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless, yellowish, greyish, white, colourless in transmitted light
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5
- Density
- 1.991 g/cm³
- Streak
- Uncoloured to greyish white
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Na2Ca(CO3)2 · 5H2O
- Elements
- C, Ca, H, Na, O
Also Known As
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Gaylussite FAQs
How do I identify Gaylussite?
Gaylussite 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 Gaylussite?
Gaylussite typically appears in Colourless, yellowish, greyish, white, colourless in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Gaylussite?
Gaylussite has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
What is the formation of gaylussite of Gaylussite?
It is formed as an evaporite from alkali lacustrine waters. It also occurs rarely as veinlets in alkalic igneous rocks. It was first described in 1826 for an occurrence in Lagunillas, Mérida, Venezuela. It was named for French chemist Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac (1778–1850). The mineral has been recently (2014) reported from drill core in Lonar lake in Buldhana district, Maharashtra, India. Lonar lake was created by a meteor impact during the Pleistocene Epoch and it is one of only four known hyper-velocity impact craters in basaltic rock anywhere on Earth.
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