Nahcolite
A variety of Minerals
What is Nahcolite?
Nahcolite is a soft, colourless or white carbonate mineral with the composition of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) also called thermokalite. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system. Nahcolite was first described in 1928 for an occurrence in a lava tunnel at Mount Vesuvius, Italy. Its name refers to the elements which compose it: Na, H, C, and O. It occurs as a hot spring and saline lake precipitate or efflorescence; in differentiated alkalic massifs; in fluid inclusions as a daughter mineral phase and in evaporite deposits. It occurs in association with trona, thermonatrite, thenardite, halite, gaylussite, burkeite, northupite and borax. It has been reported in a Roman conduit at Stufe de Nerone, Campi Flegrei, near Naples; in the U. S. from Searles Lake, San Bernardino County, California; in the Green River Formation, Colorado and Utah; in the Tincalayu deposit, Salar del Hombre Muerto, Salta Province, Argentina; on Mt. Alluaiv, Lovozero Massif and Khibiny Massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia; and around Mount Erebus, Victoria Land, Antarctica.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Nahcolite 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.
Nahcolite Localities Map
See where Nahcolite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colourless, white, greyish; colourless in transmitted light.
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 2.5
- Density
- 2.16 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- NaHCO3
- Elements
- C, H, Na, O
Also Known As
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Nahcolite FAQs
How do I identify Nahcolite?
Nahcolite 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 Nahcolite?
Nahcolite typically appears in Colourless, white, greyish; colourless in transmitted light.. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Nahcolite?
Nahcolite has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.
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