Sulfates (Inventory)/Epsomite/Mirabilite
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[[File:Epsomite.jpg|thumb|Epsomite]] | [[File:Epsomite.jpg|thumb|Epsomite]] | ||
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The '''Epsomite/Mirabilite''' field should be used to list stations where epsomite or mirabilite is observed. | The '''Epsomite/Mirabilite''' field should be used to list stations where epsomite or mirabilite is observed. | ||
| - | Epsomite is soft and white or clear. It has a bitter taste though it is not appropriate to perform this test in the field. It may appear as needles, | + | Epsomite is soft and white or clear. It has a bitter taste though it is not appropriate to perform this test in the field. It may appear as needles, stalactites, stalagmites and other dripstone like formations. Mirabilite is clear and usually looks like ice. It has a slightly bitter or salty taste. Both are salts of different metals. Epsomite and mirabilite formations can change seasonally as they are influenced by humidity. They can grow so quickly as to trap and encase hibernating bats. They can also form over other speleothems. These formations are easily confused with similar gypsum formations such as [[Gypsum Chandelier (Inventory)|Chandeliers]]. |
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Gypsum Chandelier (Inventory)|Gypsum Chandelier]] | *[[Gypsum Chandelier (Inventory)|Gypsum Chandelier]] | ||
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==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
| + | File:EpsomiteOnASodaStraw.jpg|Epsomite or Mirabilite on a calcite [[Soda Straw (Inventory)|soda straw]] | ||
File:Epsomite 2.jpg|Epsomite | File:Epsomite 2.jpg|Epsomite | ||
File:Large Epsomite Stalagmite.jpg|Large epsomite stalagmite with trapped bats | File:Large Epsomite Stalagmite.jpg|Large epsomite stalagmite with trapped bats | ||
Revision as of 12:57, 13 April 2011
The Epsomite/Mirabilite field should be used to list stations where epsomite or mirabilite is observed.
Epsomite is soft and white or clear. It has a bitter taste though it is not appropriate to perform this test in the field. It may appear as needles, stalactites, stalagmites and other dripstone like formations. Mirabilite is clear and usually looks like ice. It has a slightly bitter or salty taste. Both are salts of different metals. Epsomite and mirabilite formations can change seasonally as they are influenced by humidity. They can grow so quickly as to trap and encase hibernating bats. They can also form over other speleothems. These formations are easily confused with similar gypsum formations such as Chandeliers.
See also
Gallery
 Epsomite or Mirabilite on a calcite soda straw |
 Epsomite |
 Large epsomite stalagmite with trapped bats |
 Small epsomite stalagmite |
References
- Palmer, Arthur N. (2007) Cave Geology CAVE BOOKS, Dayton, OH p 293 ISBN-13: 978-0-939748-66-2, ISBN-10: 0-939748-66-5
