Sulfates (Inventory)/Epsomite/Mirabilite

From LagWiki

The Epsomite/Mirabilite field should be used to list stations where the sulfate minerals epsomite or mirabilite are 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.

Gallery

Epsomite or Mirabilite on a calcite soda straw	Epsomite
Large epsomite stalagmite with trapped bats	Small epsomite stalagmite

See also

• Gypsum Chandelier

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

Sulfates (Inventory)/Epsomite/Mirabilite is a part of the cave inventory project.