Niter
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Niter
Formula:
KNO3
Colour:
Colorless or white, light yellow, very light gray
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
2.11 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
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.
Niter, potassium nitrate, is found as an efflorescence in hot, dry regions. Also known as saltpeter.
Chemically it is the K-analogue of nitratine.
Chemically it is the K-analogue of nitratine.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2917
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2917:5
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
c2fd58c1-6d70-4c83-ad28-5f0c9fbaf835
IMA Classification of Niter
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
K(NO3)
Classification of Niter
5.NA.10
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
N : NITRATES
A : Without OH or H2O
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
N : NITRATES
A : Without OH or H2O
Dana 7th ed.:
18.1.2.1
18.1.2.1
18 : NORMAL NITRATES
1 : AXO3·xH2O, where x can equal zero
18 : NORMAL NITRATES
1 : AXO3·xH2O, where x can equal zero
13.2
13 : Nitrates
13 : Nitrates
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMAβCNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Nit | IMAβCNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMAβCNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Niter
Sub-Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Colorless or white, light yellow, very light gray
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Very Good
On {011} nearly perfect; on {010} fairly good; on {110} imperfect.
On {011} nearly perfect; on {010} fairly good; on {110} imperfect.
Parting:
Twin gliding with K1 (110), K2 (130).
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Sub-Conchoidal
Density:
2.11 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Niter
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.332 nβ = 1.504 nγ = 1.504
2V:
Measured: 7°
Birefringence:
0.172
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.172
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
Low
Dispersion:
r
Optical Extinction:
Parallel
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Chemistry of Niter
Mindat Formula:
KNO3
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Na,Li
Crystallography of Niter
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Pmma
Cell Parameters:
a = 5.414 Å, b = 9.164 Å, c = 6.431 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.591 : 1 : 0.702
Unit Cell V:
319.07 Γ
Β³ (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Massive, granular, earthy, mealy. Crusts, silky tufts, and delicate acicular crystallization. Artificial crystals are prismatic [001].
Twinning:
Common on {110}, frequently as pseudo-hexagonal groupings.
Comment:
Pmcm
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0009568 | Niter | Nimmo J, Lucas B (1976) The crystal structures of gamma- and beta-KNO3 and the alpha-gamma-beta phase transformations _cod_database_code 1000051 Acta Crystallographica B32 1968-1971 |  | 1976 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0010326 | Niter | Adiwidjaja G, Pohl D (2003) Superstructure of a-phase potassium nitrate Acta Crystallographica C59 i139-i140 | | 2003 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
| 0013162 | Niter | Nimmo J K, Lucas B W (1973) A neutron diffraction determination of the crystal structure of alpha-phase potassium nitrate at 25 C and 100 C Journal of Physics C: Solid State Physics 6 201-211 | 1973 | Synthetic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0013163 | Niter | Nimmo J K, Lucas B W (1973) A neutron diffraction determination of the crystal structure of alpha-phase potassium nitrate at 25 C and 100 C Journal of Physics C: Solid State Physics 6 201-211 | 1973 | Synthetic | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.66 Γ | (20) |
| 3.78 Γ | (100) |
| 3.73 Γ | (60) |
| 3.03 Γ | (60) |
| 2.76 Γ | (30) |
| 2.71 Γ | (20) |
| 2.66 Γ | (40) |
| 2.65 Γ | (60) |
Comments:
5-377 (synthetic)
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 10a: Neoproterozoic oxygenation/terrestrial biosphere | <0.6 |
| 48 : Soil leaching zone minerals | <0.6 |
| 52 : Guano- and urine-derived minerals | <0.4 |
| 53 : Other minerals with taphonomic origins | <0.4 |
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.
Synonyms of Niter
Other Language Names for Niter
French:Potasse nitratΓ©e
Latin:Sal petrae
Nitrum (in part)
Nitrum (in part)
Russian:Π‘Π΅Π»ΠΈΡΡΠ°
Simplified Chinese:ιΎη‘η³
Spanish:Salitre
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 1 photo of Niter associated with Fuenzalidaite | K6(Na,K)4Na6Mg10(SO4)12(IO3)12 Β· 12H2O |
| 1 photo of Niter associated with Sveite | (K3-xβ»x)Al8(NO3)6O8Cl4 Β· nH2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.NA.05 | Nitratine | NaNO3 |
| 5.NA.15 | Gwihabaite | (NH4,K)NO3 |
| 5.NA.20 | Nitrobarite | Ba(NO3)2 |
| 5.NA.25 | Shilovite | Cu(NH3)4(NO3)2 |
Fluorescence of Niter
Not fluorescent
Other Information
Notes:
Readily soluble in water.
Health Risks:
DETONATES WITH COMBUSTIBLE SUBSTANCES!!
Internet Links for Niter
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2917.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 Niter
Reference List:
Localities for Niter
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
β - 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.
Algeria | |
| Natural History Museum | |
Australia | |
| McQueen et al. (1988) |
| McQueen +3 other references |
| Podgson RE |
Bahamas | |
| Onac B.P. et al. (2001) +1 other reference |
Belgium | |
| Drapiez (1823) +2 other references |
| Hatert et al. (2002) |
Bolivia | |
| Palache et al. (1951) | |
| field collected by Alfredo Petrov +1 other reference |
Brazil | |
| Atencio et al. (2022) |
| www.cetem.gov.br (n.d.) |
Bulgaria | |
| Kunov et al. (1997) |
Canada | |
| Shang (2000) |
Chile | |
| Cooper et al. (1998) |
| www.albumdesierto.cl (n.d.) |
| Pueyo et al. (1998) | |
| collected by Reynaldo Contreira |
| Personally collected by Reynaldo ... | |
China | |
| Yanling Tang (2005) |
| Yanling Tang (2005) | |
| Yanling Tang (2005) |
| Zhaoxin Han et al. (2004) +1 other reference |
| Yanling Tang (2005) |
Germany | |
| Blass et al. (2005) +1 other reference |
Greece | |
| Helvaci et al. (1993) |
Iran | |
| Amin et al. (2022) |
Italy | |
| DβAngeli et al. (2022) |
| Giornate di studio sul Pulo di Molfetta |
| Fasano (1788) |
| Fasano (1788) |
| Fasano (1788) +1 other reference | |
| Jervis (1881) |
| Jervis (1881) |
Malaysia | |
| McFarlane et al. (2018) |
Mexico | |
| Forti (2006) |
Philippines | |
| Jianmin Chen (2011) |
Saudi Arabia | |
| Forti et al. (2004) |
South Africa | |
| Martini (1978) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
| Palache et al. (1951) | |
| Miller et al. (2013) |
Spain | |
| MartΓnez-Arkarazo et al. (2007) |
| Benavente +2 other references |
| Benavente et al. (2018, September) |
Turkmenistan | |
| Vladimir A. Maltsev (1993) |
Ukraine | |
| Dvoichenko P.A. The minerals of Crimea (1914) |
USA | |
| Cook et al. (1982) |
| Cook et al. (1982) | |
| Cook et al. (1982) | |
| Rocks & Min 70:5 pp 320-333 |
| Cook et al. (1982) | |
| Cook et al. (1982) |
| Cook et al. (1982) |
| Cook et al. (1982) | |
| Cook et al. (1982) |
| Cook et al. (1982) |
| Cook et al. (1982) |
| Guild (1910) +2 other references |
| Galbraith (1959) +1 other reference |
| Galbraith (1959) |
| Plemons (2006) |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| Plemons (2006) |
| Plemons (2006) |
| Plemons (2006) |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| Plemons (2006) |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture (http://encyclopediaofarkansas.net) | |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| Plemons (2006) |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| Howard (2007) | |
| Merrill (1916) +1 other reference |
| Bailey (1902) +2 other references |
| summary for 1912: Mineral Resources U.S. +6 other references |
| Noble (1931) +1 other reference |
| Bailey (1902) +1 other reference | |
| Mansfield (1927) +1 other reference |
| Murdoch (1966) |
| Van Nostrand Reinholt Press: 342. +3 other references |
| Bailey (1902) +1 other reference |
| Turner (1907) +1 other reference |
| Bailey (1902) +1 other reference |
| Lalith Aditya Senthil Kumar Collection | |
| Bailey (1902) +1 other reference |
| Pampeyan (2010) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference | |
| Cook (1978) |
| Rocks & Minerals: 70 (4) +1 other reference |
| Plemons (2006) |
| Plemons (2006) |
| Anderson (1994) | |
| www.rkci.org (2008) |
| Sherwood et al. (1998) |
| Sherwood et al. (1998) |
| U.S. Bureau of Mines Circular 7093 (1939) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| - (2005) | |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) | |
| Northrop et al. (1996) | |
| Northrop et al. (1996) | |
| NSS Bull. 43:127-132 | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference | |
| Plemons (2006) |
| Genth | |
| Gale (1912) | |
| Mineralogical Record March - April 2000 |
| Pough | |
| ... |
| ... | |
| ... | |
| ... |
| ... | |
| ... | |
| ... |
| ... |
| ... |
| ... |
| ... | |
| ... | |
| ... | |
| ... | |
| ... |
| ... | |
| ... | |
| ... |
| ... |
| ... |
| ... |
| Plemons (2006) |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| Plemons (2006) | |
| ... |
| www.mtsuedu / ~ cwtech / saltpeter / ... | |
| ... |
| ... | |
| ... | |
| ... |
| Travis A. Paris (2011) |
| ... |
| Travis A. Paris (2011) |
| Travis A. Paris (2011) | |
| ... |
| ... |
| ... | |
| American Mineralogist (1926) +1 other reference |
| BEG Min Res Circ 73 |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1985) |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) +1 other reference |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) | |
| Dietrich (1990) |
| Davies (July 1958) |
| Davies (July 1958) |
| Johnson | |
| - (1917) | |
| Burton Faust |
| Burton Faust | |
| - (1917) | |
| Gale (1912) |
Quick NavTopAbout NiterUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentSynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Searcy County, Arkansas, USA