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Niter

Big Photo

Searcy Co., Arkansas, USA
© 2008, J. Weissman

Formula:
KNO
 
3
System:OrthorhombicColour:Colourless or white, ...
Lustre:VitreousHardness:2
Name:Evolved from "neter" or "nether" (Hebraic), which derived from "natar," a substance that effervesces, which corresponds to the "nitron" of the Greeks and the "nitrum" of the Romans.


Nitre, potassium nitrate, is found as an efflorescence in hot, dry regions.

Classification of Niter

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Strunz 8th edition ID:5/A.01-20
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:5.NA.10

5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
N : NITRATES
A : Without OH or H2O
Dana 7th edition ID:18.1.2.1
Dana 8th edition ID:18.1.2.1

18 : NORMAL NITRATES
1 : AXO3·xH2O, where x can equal zero
Hey's CIM Ref.:13.2

13 : Nitrates
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Occurrences of Niter

Geological Setting:Surface efflorescences in arid regions; in caves or other dry, sheltered places. Also in soils rich in organic materials, especially after rain during hot weather.

Physical Properties of Niter

Lustre:Vitreous
Diaphaneity (Transparency):Transparent
Colour:Colourless or white, light yellow, greyish
Streak:White
Hardness (Mohs):2
Tenacity:Brittle
Cleavage:Very Good
On {011} nearly perfect; on {010} fairly good; on {110} imperfect.
Parting:Twin gliding with K1 (110), K2 (130).
Fracture:Irregular/Uneven, Sub-Conchoidal

Crystallography of Niter

Crystal System:Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) - Dipyramidal
Cell Parameters:a = 5.41Å, b = 9.16Å, c = 6.43Å
Ratio:a:b:c = 0.591 : 1 : 0.702
Unit Cell Volume:V 318.64 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:Crusts, silky tufts, and delicate acicular crystallization. Massive, granular, earthy, mealy. Artificial crystals are prismatic [001].
Twinning:Common on {110}, frequently as pseudo-hexagonal groupings.

Optical Data of Niter

Type:Biaxial (-)
RI values: nα = 1.332 nβ = 1.504 nγ = 1.504
2V:Measured: 7°
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.172

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Low
Dispersion:weak

Chemical Properties of Niter

Formula:
KNO
 
3
Essential elements:K, N, O
All elements listed in formula:K, N, O
Common Impurities:Na,Li

Relationship of Niter to other Species

Common Associates:
NitrocalciteGypsumEpsomite
Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
5.NA.05Nitratine
NaNO
 
3
5.NA.15Gwihabaite
(NH
 
4
,K)NO
 
3
5.NA.20Nitrobarite
Ba(NO
 
3
)
 
2
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
13.1Nitratine
NaNO
 
3
13.3Gerhardtite
Cu
 
2
[(OH)
 
3
|NO
 
3
]
13.4Nitromagnesite
Mg(NO
 
3
)
 
2
·6H
 
2
O
13.5Nitrocalcite
Ca(NO
 
3
)
 
2
·4H
 
2
O
13.6Nitrobarite
Ba(NO
 
3
)
 
2
13.7Buttgenbachite
Cu
 
19
[(OH)
 
32
|(NO
 
3
)
 
2
|Cl
 
4
] · 2H
 
2
O
13.8Sveite
KAl
 
7
[Cl|(OH)
 
8
|(NO
 
3
)
 
2
]
 
2
 · 8H
 
2
O
13.9Darapskite
Na
 
3
NO
 
3
SO
 
4
·H
 
2
O
13.10Humberstonite
Na
 
7
K
 
3
Mg
 
2
(SO
 
4
)
 
6
(NO
 
3
)
 
2
·6H
 
2
O
13.11Mbobomkulite
(Ni,Cu)Al
 
4
[(OH)
 
12
|{(NO
 
3
)
 
2
,SO
 
4
}] · 3H
 
2
O
13.12Hydrombobomkulite
(Ni,Cu)Al
 
4
[(OH)
 
12
|{(NO
 
3
)
 
2
,SO
 
4
}] · 13-14H
 
2
O
13.13Nickelalumite
(Ni,Cu)Al
 
4
[(OH)
 
12
|{SO
 
4
,(NO
 
3
)
 
2
}] · 3H
 
2
O

Other Names for Niter

Synonyms:
Nitrate of PotashNitreSalpeterSalpetreSaltpeter
Other Languages:
French:Potasse nitratée
German:Kalisalpeter
Natürliche salpeter
Salpetersaures Kali
Latin:Sal petrae
Russian:Калиевая селитра
Spanish:Salitre

Other Information

Other Information:Readily soluble in water.
Health Warning:DETONATES WITH COMBUSTIBLE SUBSTANCES!!

References for Niter

Reference List:Reuss, F.A. (1803) Lehrbuch der Mineralogie. Leipzig. part 2, volumes 3: 21 (as Salpeter).

Philips (1818): 137 (as Nitrate of Potash).

Leonhard, K.C. (1826) Handbuch der Oryktognosie. second edition, Heidelberg: 247 (as Kalisalpeter).

Naumann, C.F. (1828) Lehrbuch der Mineralogie, Berlin: 261.

Breithaupt, A. (1832) Vollständige Characteristik etc., 2nd. Ed.: 27 (as Kalinitrat).

Miller (1840) Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science: 17: 38.

Hausmann, J.F.L. (1847) Handbuch der Mineralogie 3 volumes, Göttingen. Second edition, vol. 2, in two parts: 1416.

Breithaupt, A. (1847) Vollständige Handbuch der Mineralogie. Dresden and Leipzig. Vol. 2: 94.

Schrauf (1860) Konigliche Akademie der Wissenschaften, Vienna, Sitzber.: 41: 790.

Retgers (1889) Zeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie, Leipzig, Berlin: 3: 313.

Dana, E.S. (1892) System of Mineralogy, 6th. Edition, New York: 871.

Gossner (1903) Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, Leipzig: 38: 143.

Günther (1912) Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, Leipzig: 50: 92 (density - artif. xls.)(abstract).

Haigh (1912) Journal of the American Chemical Society: 34: 1137.

Johnsen (1914) Jahrb. Radioakt. Und Elektronik: 11: 246.

Goldschmidt, V. (1918) Atlas der Krystallformen. 9 volumes, atlas, and text, vol. 5: 3.

Frood and Hall (1919) Union of South Africa Geological Survey Memorandum 14.

Edwards (1930) Zeitschrift für Kristallographie: 154.

Hintze, Carl (1930) Handbuch der Mineralogie. Berlin and Leipzig. 6 volumes: 1 [3A]: 2713.

Merwin (1930) Int. Crit. Tables: 7: 27.

Mansfield and Boardman (1932) U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 838.

Larsen, E.S. and Berman, H. (1934) The Microscopic Determination of the Nonopaque Minerals, Second edition, USGS Bulletin 848: 152.

Gibbs (1938) Ann. Sc. London: 3: 213.

Northrop (1942) University of New Mexico Bulletin, Geology Series, 6, no. 1: 227.

Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, Etc. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 7th edition, revised and enlarged: 303.

Janz, G.J. (1980) Molten-salts data as reference-standards for density, surface-tension viscosity and electrical conductance - KNO3 and NaCl. Journal of Physical and Chemical Reference Data: 9: 791-829.

Chem. Geol. (1988): 67: 85.

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    Localities for Niter

    Hide Locality List
    The map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
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    (TL) indicates type locality. ? indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. All other localities listed without reference should be considered as uncertain and unproven until references can be found.
    Australia
     
    • Australian Capital Territory
      • Brindabella Mts
        • Cotter
    		Anthony, Bideaux, Bladh, Nichols: Handbook of Mineralogy, Vol. IV
    Bahamas
     
    • San Salvador District
      • San Salvador Island
    		Carb.&Evap. v.16 no.1 (2001)
    Bolivia
     
    Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 304.
    Bulgaria
     
    • Haskovo Oblast (Khaskovo Oblast)
      • Rhodope Mts
    		Kunov, A. & Mandova, E. (1997): Supergene minerals of the Obichnik Au-Ag deposit (Eastern Rhodopes). Spisanie na Bulgarskoto Geologichesko Druzhestvo 58, 19-24. (in Bulgarian)
    Chile
     
    • Antofagasta Region
    		http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/AmMin/TOC/Articles_Free/1998/Cooper_p390-399_98.pdf
      • Tocopilla Province
        • Pedro de Valdivia
    		Pueyo, J. J., Chong, G. & Vega, M. (1998): Mineralogy and parental brine evolution in the Pedro de Valdivia nitrate deposit, Antofagasta, Chile. Revista Geologica de Chile 25, 3-15. (in Spanish)
    Germany
     
    • Rhineland-Palatinate
      • Eifel Mts
        • Mayen
          • Ettringen
    		Blass, G., Graf, HW., Kolitsch, U., Sebold, D., Über neue Mineralfunde aus der Vulkaneifel, MW 6/2005
    South Africa
     
    Minerals of South Africa
    Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 304.
      • Namaqualand
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 304.
    USA
     
    • Alabama
      • Calhoun Co.
        • Weaver Station
    		Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull 120
    Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull 120
    Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull 120
      • Jackson Co.
    		Rocks & Min 70:5 pp 320-333
    Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull 120
      • Lawrence Co.
    		Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull 120
      • Limestone Co.
    		Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull 120
    Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull 120
      • Marshall Co.
        • Newsome Sinks
    		Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull 120
      • Morgan Co.
        • Trinity
    		Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull 120
      • Winston Co.
        • Black Warrior River
    		Mineralogy of Alabama Geol Surv Ala. Bull 120
    • Arizona
      • Coconino Co.
        • Winona
    		Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 313; Guild, F.N. (1910), Mineralogy of Arizona; Galbraith, F.W. & Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 56.
      • Greenlee Co.
        • Peloncillo Mts
    		Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 199, 313; Galbraith, F.W. & D.J. Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 56.
      • Pinal Co.
        • Galiuro Mts
          • Aravaipa Creek area
    		Galbraith, F.W. & Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 56.
    • California
      • Inyo Co.
        • Badwater
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 304.
      • San Bernardino Co.
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 310.
    • Georgia
      • Bartow Co.
        • Kingston
    		Minerals of Georgia: Their properties and occurrences. Robert Cook GGWRD Bull 92
    • Idaho
      • Clark Co.
        • Dubois
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 304; Rocks & Minerals: 70(4): 242-263.
    Anderson (1994) Kentucky Geol. Survey Ser. XI Spec. Pub 20
      • Rockcastle Co.
    • Missouri
      • Callaway Co.
        • Portland
    		R&M 73:2 pp 98-117
      • Maries Co.
    		R&M 73:2 pp 98-117
    • Nevada
      • Churchill Co.
        • Lake District
    		U.S. Bureau of Mines Circular 7093 (1939).
      • Clark Co.
        • Charleston District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
      • Esmeralda Co.
        • Silver Peak District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
      • Lander Co.
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
      • Washoe Co.
        • Leadville District
    		NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada
    • New Mexico
      • Eddy Co.
    		Minerals of New Mexico 3rd ed.
      • Hidalgo Co.
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 306; Minerals of New Mexico 3rd ed.
    Minerals of New Mexico 3rd ed.
    Minerals of New Mexico 3rd ed.
    Minerals of New Mexico 3rd ed.
    Minerals of New Mexico 3rd ed.
    NSS Bull. 43:127-132
    Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 304; Minerals of New Mexico 3rd ed.
    A Listing of North Carolina Minerals- Leonard S. Wiener and Sigrid Ballew-1995
      • Burke Co.
        • Linville Gorge
    		United States Saltpeter Cave Survey
      • Swain Co.
    		Mineralogical Record March - April 2000
    Frederick H. Pough, 1996, Rocks and Minerals
      • Cannon Co.
    		www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
    www.nashevillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
    www.nashevillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
      • Claiborne Co.
    		www.nashevillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
    www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
    www.nashevillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
      • Coffee Co.
    		www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
      • Cumberland Co.
    		www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
      • DeKalb Co.
    		www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
      • Fentress Co.
    		www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
    www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
    www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
    www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
    www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
      • Franklin Co.
    		www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
    www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
    www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
      • Grainger Co.
    		www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
      • Hamilton Co.
    		www.mtsuedu/~cwtech/saltpeter/Saltpeter.html
      • Hickman Co.
    		www.nashvillefossils.com/resources/pages/saltpeter.html
      • Knox Co.
    		www.mtsuedu/~cwtech/saltpeter/Saltpeter.html
      • Marion Co.
    		www.mtsuedu/~cwtech/saltpeter/Saltpeter.html
    www.mtsuedu / ~ cwtech / saltpeter / Saltpeter. html
      • Monroe Co.
    		www.mtsuedu/~cwtech/saltpeter/Saltpeter.html
    www.mtsuedu/~cwtech/saltpeter/Saltpeter.html
    www.mtsuedu/~cwtech/saltpeter/Saltpeter.html
      • Roane Co.
    		www.mtsuedu/~cwtech/saltpeter/Saltpeter.html
      • Shelby Co.
    		www.mtsuedu/~cwtech/saltpeter/Saltpeter.html
      • Van Buren Co.
    		www.mtsuedu/~cwtech/saltpeter/Saltpeter.html
      • White Co.
    		www.mtsuedu/~cwtech/saltpeter/Saltpeter.html
    www.mtsuedu/~cwtech/saltpeter/Saltpeter.html
    • Texas
    		AmMin 11:189
    Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 302.
      • Presidio Co.
    		BEG Min Res Circ 73
    • Utah
      • Iron Co.
    		UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
      • Millard Co.
    		UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    • Virginia
      • Augusta Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
      • Bath Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
      • Bland Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
      • Botetourt Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
      • Craig Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
      • Giles Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
      • Highland Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
      • Lee Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
      • Page Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
      • Pulaski Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
      • Rockbridge Co.
        • Glasgow
    		Rocks & Min.: 60:157.
      • Scott Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
      • Smyth Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
      • Wise Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
      • Wythe Co.
    		Minerals of Virginia 1990 by R. V. Dietrich
    • West Virginia
      • Greenbrier Co.
    		Johnson, 1960. Source Book for the Rock & Mineral Collector.
    Mineral and/or Locality
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