Mascagnite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Mascagnite
Paolo Mascagni
Formula:
(NH4)2SO4
Colour:
Colourless, grey, yellowish-grey, yellow; colourless in transmitted light
Lustre:
Vitreous, Dull
Hardness:
2 - 2½
Specific Gravity:
1.768
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named in honor of Paolo Mascagni (25 January 1755, Pomarance, Piza, Tuscany, Italy - 19 October 1815, Chiusdino, Siena, Tuscany, Italy), Professor of Anatomy, University of Siena, who first described the natural material.
Type Locality:
Isostructural with:
Arcanite-Mascagnite Series. Slightly hygroscopic.
Occurs at active volcanic fumaroles, hot springs, and on burning coal mine dumps.
Occurs at active volcanic fumaroles, hot springs, and on burning coal mine dumps.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2584
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2584:9
IMA Classification of Mascagnite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
(NH4)2(SO4)
First published:
1779
Classification of Mascagnite
7.AD.05
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
A : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, without H2O
D : With only large cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
A : Sulfates (selenates, etc.) without additional anions, without H2O
D : With only large cations
28.2.1.1
28 : ANHYDROUS ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
2 : A2XO4
28 : ANHYDROUS ACID AND NORMAL SULFATES
2 : A2XO4
25.1.8
25 : Sulphates
1 : Sulphates of the alkali metals and ammonium
25 : Sulphates
1 : Sulphates of the alkali metals and ammonium
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Msc | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Mascagnite
Vitreous, Dull
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent, Opaque
Colour:
Colourless, grey, yellowish-grey, yellow; colourless in transmitted light
Hardness:
2 - 2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Sectile
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
On {001}.
On {001}.
Parting:
Twin gliding with K1(110), K2(130).
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
1.768 g/cm3 (Measured) 1.769 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Mascagnite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.52 nβ = 1.523 nγ = 1.533
2V:
Measured: 52° , Calculated: 58°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.013
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
relatively strong r > v
Chemistry of Mascagnite
Mindat Formula:
(NH4)2SO4
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Mascagnite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Pnma
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.782 Å, b = 5.993 Å, c = 10.636 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.299 : 1 : 1.775
Unit Cell V:
496.04 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Well-formed natural crystals are rare. Mealy crusts and stalactitic forms. Artificial crystals equant to short prismatic [001], frequently flattened {010}; also prismatic [100]; also flattened {100}, rare.
Twinning:
On {101} common, often repeated yielding a pseudo-hexagonal habit; also polysynthetic.
Comment:
Synthetic
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0012986 | Mascagnite | Schlemper E O, Hamilton W C (1966) Neutron-diffraction study of the structures of ferroelectric and paraelectric ammonium sulfate Journal of Chemical Physics 44 4498-4509 | 1966 | synthetic | 0 | 298 | |
| 0012987 | Mascagnite | Schlemper E O, Hamilton W C (1966) Neutron-diffraction study of the structures of ferroelectric and paraelectric ammonium sulfate Journal of Chemical Physics 44 4498-4509 | 1966 | synthetic | 0 | 180 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 3b: Earth’s earliest hydrosphere | >4.45 |
| 14 : Hot springs, geysers, and other subaerial geothermal minerals | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 45a : [Sulfates, arsenates, selenates, antimonates] | |
| 45b : [Other oxidized fumarolic minerals] | |
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 50 : Coal and/or oil shale minerals | <0.36 |
| 52 : Guano- and urine-derived minerals | <0.4 |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 54 : Coal and other mine fire minerals (see also #51 and #56) | |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals |
Geological Setting:
Sublimation product from fumeroles, solfataras, burning coal seams.
Type Occurrence of Mascagnite
Synonyms of Mascagnite
Other Language Names for Mascagnite
Relationship of Mascagnite to other Species
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 3 photos of Mascagnite associated with Salammoniac | NH4Cl |
| 2 photos of Mascagnite associated with Mohrite | (NH4)2Fe(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 1 photo of Mascagnite associated with Koktaite | (NH4)2Ca(SO4)2 · H2O |
| 1 photo of Mascagnite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Mascagnite associated with Anhydrite | CaSO4 |
| 1 photo of Mascagnite associated with Eugsterite | Na4Ca(SO4)3 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Mascagnite associated with Kaolinite | Al2(Si2O5)(OH)4 |
| 1 photo of Mascagnite associated with Realgar | As4S4 |
| 1 photo of Mascagnite associated with Thénardite | Na2SO4 |
| 1 photo of Mascagnite associated with Nataliyamalikite | TlI |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.AD. | Bubnovaite | K2Na8Ca(SO4)6 |
| 7.AD. | Dobrovolskyite | Na4Ca(SO4)3 |
| 7.AD. | Calciolangbeinite | K2Ca2(SO4)3 |
| 7.AD. | Murphyite | Pb(Te6+O4) |
| 7.AD. | Cuprodobrovolskyite | Na4Cu(SO4)3 |
| 7.AD. | Kristjánite | KNa2H(SO4)2 |
| 7.AD.05 | Arcanite | K2SO4 |
| 7.AD.10 | Mercallite | KHSO4 |
| 7.AD.15 | Misenite | K8H6(SO4)7 |
| 7.AD.20 | Letovicite | (NH4)3H(SO4)2 |
| 7.AD.25 | Thénardite | Na2SO4 |
| 7.AD.25 | Glauberite | Na2Ca(SO4)2 |
| 7.AD.30 | Metathénardite | Na2SO4 |
| 7.AD.30 | Anhydrite | CaSO4 |
| 7.AD.35 | Baryte | BaSO4 |
| 7.AD.35 | Celestine | SrSO4 |
| 7.AD.35 | Olsacherite | Pb2(Se6+O4)(SO4) |
| 7.AD.35 | Anglesite | PbSO4 |
| 7.AD.40 | Kalistrontite | K2Sr(SO4)2 |
| 7.AD.40 | Palmierite | K2Pb(SO4)2 |
| 7.AD.45 | Ivsite | Na3H(SO4)2 |
| 7.AD.55 | Markhininite | TlBi(SO4)2 |
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Melts when heated in air and decomposes at a low temperature.
Notes:
Slightly hygroscopic. Soluble in water.
Special Storage/
Display Requirements:
Display Requirements:
Slightly hygroscopic.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Mascagnite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2584.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Mascagnite
Reference List:
Mascagni (1779) Dei Lagoni del Senese..., Sienna: 36 (as Sale ammoniacale composto d'acido sulfureo)
Haüy, René Just (1822) Traité de Minéralogie (2nd ed.) Vol. 2. Bachelier, Paris. p.220 - as Ammoniaque sulfatée
Winchell, Horace, Benoit, Richard J. (1951) Taylorite, mascagnite, aphthitalite, lecontite, and oxammite from guano. American Mineralogist, 36 (7-8) 590-602
Localities for Mascagnite
Showing 78 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Austria | |
| Meixner (1954) |
Belgium | |
| Mélon et al. (1976) +1 other reference |
| Hatert et al. (2002) | |
| Forir (1881) +2 other references | |
| Cocheteux (1886) +2 other references |
Bulgaria | |
| Elena Shcherbakova (2010) |
Czech Republic | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| David Parfitt collection +1 other reference |
| Žáček et al. (1998) |
| Matýsek et al. (2022) |
| Košek (2018) +1 other reference | |
| Hršelová et al. (2013) |
| Sekanina (1948) +1 other reference |
| Bouška |
DR Congo | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
France | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Naze-Nancy Masalehdani et al. (2009) |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Blaß et al. (1993) +2 other references |
| www.wagnerul.de (n.d.) |
| Thalheim +1 other reference |
| Witzke et al. (1998) |
Hungary | |
| Sándor et al. (2005) |
| Szakáll et al. (2008) |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) |
| ACTA MIN. PETR. Suppl. Tomus XXXVIII. |
| Szakáll et al. (1996) |
| ACTA MIN. PETR. Suppl. Tomus XXXVIII. |
Italy | |
| Russo +1 other reference |
| Russo et al. (2017) |
| De Michele (1974) | |
| Russo et al. (2017) | |
| Russo et al. (2004) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| BOMBICCI L. (1875) |
| Mascagni (1779) |
Netherlands | |
| De Wit et al. (2003) |
New Zealand | |
| Onac (2025) |
| Johnstone (1979) | |
Peru | |
| Ciesielczuk et al. (2013) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
Poland | |
| Ciesielczuk et al. (2014) |
| Damrat (2011) |
| Ł. Kruszewski (PXRD data) |
| Parafiniuk et al. (2009) |
| Kruszewski (2012) |
| doi.org (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Kruszewski et al. (2018) |
| Parafiniuk et al. (2009) |
Russia | |
| Cesnokov et al. (1998) +1 other reference |
| Pekov (1998) |
| Zhitova et al. (2022) |
Slovakia | |
| Koděra (1986) |
South Africa | |
| International Journal of Coal Geology 72 (2007) |
| International Journal of Coal Geology 72 (2007) +1 other reference |
Spain | |
| Campeny et al. (2023) |
Sweden | |
| The Sulfur Problem. Proceedings 8th ... +1 other reference |
Tajikistan | |
| D.I.Belakovskiy data |
| Nasdala et al. (1993) |
UK | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
USA | |
| Adams et al. (2014) |
| Adams et al. (2014) | |
| Kampf et al. (2024) |
| Vonsen (1941) +7 other references |
| Goldsmith (1877) +2 other references | |
| Paul M. Adams Collection |
| GSA Field Guide 10 (2007) |
| Hower et al. (2013) |
| Sherwood et al. (1998) |
| Richards et al. (2017) |
| |
| Finkelman et al. (1977) |
| Barnes et al. (1971) +1 other reference |
Venezuela | |
| Journal of South American Earth ... |
Quick NavTopAbout MascagniteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Burnside, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, USA