Meridianiite
A variety of Minerals
What is Meridianiite?
Meridianiite is the mineral consisting of magnesium sulfate undecahydrate, MgSO4·11H2O. It is colorless transparent crystalline salt that precipitates from solutions saturated in Mg and SO4 ions at temperatures less than 2 °C. The synthetic compound was formerly known as Fritzsche's salt. Meridianiite is a naturally occurring mineral species found on Earth in a variety of environments including sea ice, crusts and efflorescences in coal/metal mines, cave systems, oxidized zones of sulfide deposits, salt lakes/playas and Antarctic ice-cores. It is commonly associated with other evaporite minerals such as epsomite, mirabilite, halides, and other sodium-magnesium-sulfates. There is some evidence that it was once present on the surface of Mars, and may occur in several bodies of the Solar system. As of 2012, it was the only undecahydrate sulfate known.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Meridianiite 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.
Meridianiite Localities Map
See where Meridianiite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Meridianiite
Meridianiite belongs to the triclinic crystal system, having cell parameters a = 6.7459 Å, b = 6.8173 Å, c = 17.299 Å, a density = 1.512 g/cm, x-ray diffraction peaks at d-spacings = 5.73, 5.62, 5.41, 4.91, 4.85, 2.988, 2.958 (highest intensity), and 2.940, and is IR active. It produces needle-shaped to broad flat crystals that are clear to colorless-white. Meridianiite decomposes incongruently above 2 °C to produce epsomite (MgSO4·7H2O) and water. Meridaniite and water have an eutectic point at −3.9 °C and 17.3% (mass) of MgSO4. Meridianiite can incorporate large proportions of other divalent cations (whose sulfates themselves do not seem to form an undecahydrate) as solid solution, without changes to its structure. These include nickel (up to about 27% of the cations replaced), zinc (up to about 27%), cobalt (up to about 67%), manganese(II) (about 62%), copper (about 8%), and iron(II) (about 8%). At pressures of about 0.9 GPa and at 240 K, meridianiite decomposes into a mixture of ice VI and the enneahydrate MgSO4·9H2O,
Quick Facts
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- MgSO4 · 11H2O
- Elements
- H, Mg, O, S
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Meridianiite FAQs
What is the characteristics of meridianiite of Meridianiite?
Meridianiite belongs to the triclinic crystal system, having cell parameters a = 6.7459 Å, b = 6.8173 Å, c = 17.299 Å, a density = 1.512 g/cm, x-ray diffraction peaks at d-spacings = 5.73, 5.62, 5.41, 4.91, 4.85, 2.988, 2.958 (highest intensity), and 2.940, and is IR active. It produces needle-shaped to broad flat crystals that are clear to colorless-white. Meridianiite decomposes incongruently above 2 °C to produce epsomite (MgSO4·7H2O) and water. Meridaniite and water have an eutectic point at −3.9 °C and 17.3% (mass) of MgSO4. Meridianiite can incorporate large proportions of other divalent cations (whose sulfates themselves do not seem to form an undecahydrate) as solid solution, without changes to its structure. These include nickel (up to about 27% of the cations replaced), zinc (up to about 27%), cobalt (up to about 67%), manganese(II) (about 62%), copper (about 8%), and iron(II) (about 8%). At pressures of about 0.9 GPa and at 240 K, meridianiite decomposes into a mixture of ice VI and the enneahydrate MgSO4·9H2O,
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