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⇱ Trona: Mineral information, data and localities.


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Trona

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About TronaHide

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Formula:
Na3H(CO3)2 · 2H2O
Colour:
Colourless, gray-white, light yellow; colourless in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2½ - 3
Specific Gravity:
2.11
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Trona is a Swedish term, deriving ultimately from the Arabic "natrum", native salt.
A non-marine evaporite mineral. Trona is the primary source of sodium carbonate in the United States.

Chemically similar to wegscheiderite; compare thermonatrite and 'UM1974-04-CO:HNa'.


Unique IdentifiersHide

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Mindat ID:
4031
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4031:6

IMA Classification of TronaHide

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Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Na3(HCO3)(CO3) · 2H2O

Classification of TronaHide

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5.CB.15

5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
C : Carbonates without additional anions, with H2O
B : With large cations (alkali and alkali-earth carbonates)
13.1.4.1

13 : ACID CARBONATES
1 : Miscellaneous
11.1.6

11 : Carbonates
1 : Carbonates of the alkali metals and ammonium

Mineral SymbolsHide

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As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
TnIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of TronaHide

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Vitreous
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Colourless, gray-white, light yellow; colourless in transmitted light.
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2½ - 3 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {100} perfect; on {211} and {001} in traces.
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven, Sub-Conchoidal
Density:
2.11 g/cm3 (Measured)    2.124 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of TronaHide

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Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.412 - 1.417 nβ = 1.492 - 1.494 nγ = 1.540 - 1.543
2V:
Measured: 76° , Calculated: 74°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.126 - 0.128
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.

Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
relatively strong
Optical Extinction:
X = b; Z ∧ c = 83°.

Chemistry of TronaHide

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Mindat Formula:
Na3H(CO3)2 · 2H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
O56.629 %
Na30.514 %
C10.628 %
H2.230 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.

Chemical AnalysisHide

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Oxide wt%:
 1
Na2O34.10 %
CO223.00 %
SO32.26 %
H2O39.70 %
Total:99.06 %

Crystallography of TronaHide

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Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Cell Parameters:
a = 20.4218(9) Å, b = 3.4913(3) Å, c = 10.3326(6) Å
β = 106.452(4)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 5.849 : 1 : 2.96
Unit Cell V:
706.54 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Crystals elongated [010], also flattened {001}. {h0l} faces striated parallel to [010]. Fibrous or massive columnar common.
Comment:
Space Group: I2/a.

Crystallographic forms of TronaHide

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Crystal Atlas:
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Trona no.1 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
Trona no.9 - Goldschmidt (1913-1926)
3d models and HTML5 code kindly provided by www.smorf.nl.

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Crystal StructureHide

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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0009780TronaChoi C S, Mighell A D (1982) Neutron diffraction study of sodium sesquicarbonate dihydrate Acta Crystallographica B38 2874-2876👁 Image
19820293
0009779TronaChoi C S, Mighell A D (1982) Neutron diffraction study of sodium sesquicarbonate dihydrate Acta Crystallographica B38 2874-2876👁 Image
19820293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

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Loading XRD data...
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.
Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
2.647 Å(100)
3.071 Å(80)
4.892 Å(55)
9.77 Å(45)
2.444 Å(30)
2.254 Å(30)
2.029 Å(30)

Geological EnvironmentHide

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Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Near-surface Processes
25 : Evaporites (prebiotic)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
45b : [Other oxidized fumarolic minerals]
Geological Setting:
Saline lakes and their evaporites; efflorecences on soils in arid regions.

Synonyms of TronaHide

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Other Language Names for TronaHide

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Common AssociatesHide

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Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
67 photos of Trona associated with HaliteNaCl
5 photos of Trona associated with SulphohaliteNa6(SO4)2FCl
5 photos of Trona associated with NahcoliteNaHCO3
3 photos of Trona associated with Paralabuntsovite-MgNa8K8Mg4Ti16(Si4O12)8(OH,O)16 · 20-24H2O
3 photos of Trona associated with BurkeiteNa6(CO3)(SO4)2
2 photos of Trona associated with NatronNa2CO3 · 10H2O
1 photo of Trona associated with AegirineNaFe3+Si2O6
1 photo of Trona associated with Shomiokite-(Y)Na3Y[CO3]3 · 3H2O
1 photo of Trona associated with ThénarditeNa2SO4
1 photo of Trona associated with JuangodoyiteNa2Cu(CO3)2

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

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5.CB.PaulišiteCa2Zn(CO3)3 · 2H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
5.CB.05ThermonatriteNa2CO3 · H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pmmm
5.CB.10NatronNa2CO3 · 10H2OMon. 2/m : P2/m
5.CB.20MonohydrocalciteCaCO3 · H2OTrig. 3 : P31
5.CB.25IkaiteCaCO3 · 6H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
5.CB.30PirssoniteNa2Ca(CO3)2 · 2H2OOrth. mm2 : Fdd2
5.CB.35GaylussiteNa2Ca(CO3)2 · 5H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
5.CB.40ChalconatroniteNa2Cu(CO3)2 · 3H2OMon. 2/m
5.CB.45BaylissiteK2Mg(CO3)2 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : P21/m
5.CB.50TuliokiteNa6BaTh(CO3)6 · 6H2OTrig. 3 : R3

Fluorescence of TronaHide

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May fluoresce under SW UV.

Other InformationHide

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Notes:
Soluble in water. Effervesces in acids.

It can exhibit a fiber-optic image transmission effect (Baur et al. 1957).
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

Trona in petrologyHide

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An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.

Internet Links for TronaHide

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References for TronaHide

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Reference List:

Localities for TronaHide

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Showing 169 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the 👁 Image
symbol to view information about a locality. The 👁 Image
symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.

Locality ListHide

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👁 Image
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
👁 Image
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence. ? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. 👁 Image
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
👁 Image
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Antarctica
  • East Antarctica
    • Buckley Island quadrangle
Liu et al. (2010) +1 other reference
    • Victoria Land
Bisson et al. (2015)
Argentina
  • Chubut Province
    • Paso de Indios Department
      • Los Altares
Zalba et al. (2011)
  • Salta Province
    • Los Andes Department
      • Tolar Grande
Raúl Jorge Tauber Larry
Australia
  • South Australia
    • Pastoral Unincorporated Area
      • Welbourn Hill
White et al. (1980)
  • Western Australia
    • Menzies Shire
      • Menangina Station
Nickel et al. (1977) +1 other reference
    • Wiluna Shire
Wilson et al. (2014)
Austria
  • Burgenland
    • Neusiedl am See District
      • Illmitz
A.Csaplovics (2014)
Götzinger (2009)
Götzinger (2009) +1 other reference
Götzinger (2009) +1 other reference
Götzinger (2009) +1 other reference
      • Sankt Andrä am Zicksee
A.Csaplovics (2014)
Belgium
  • Wallonia
    • Liège
      • Liège
        • Laveu
Malaise (1913) +3 other references
        • Saint-Gilles
Buttgenbach (1918) +2 other references
Bolivia
  • Potosí
    • Nor Lípez Province
      • San Juan
Ahlfeld & Muñoz Reyes (1955)
    • Sud Lípez Province
USGS Bulletin #1975 (1992)
USGS Bulletin #1975 (1992)
USGS Bulletin #1975 (1992)
Botswana
  • North-West District
McCarthy et al. (1986)
Canada
Kohut et al. (1993)
  • Québec
    • Montérégie
      • La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM
        • Mont Saint-Hilaire
Grice (1989) +1 other reference
  • Saskatchewan
Last (1990)
Chad
  • Kanem Region
    • Eguei
Palache et al. (1951)
  • Lac Region
Maglione (1968) +1 other reference
Chile
  • Tarapacá
    • Iquique Province
      • Santa Rosa-Huantajaya mining district (Huantajaya mining district)
Schlüter
China
  • Henan
    • Nanyang
      • Tongbai County
Shangru Sun (2004) +1 other reference
Yang et al. (2015)
Youxun Zhang (1983) +1 other reference
  • Inner Mongolia
    • Alxa League (Alashan Prefecture)
      • Alxa Left Banner (Alashan Zuoqi)
Zhenmi Liu (2000)
    • Xilingol League (Xilinguole Prefecture)
      • Sonid Right Banner (Sunite Youqi)
Yu et al. (2001)
  • Qinghai
    • Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
      • Dulan County
Kamitani et al. (2007)
  • Tibet
    • Nagqu
      • Baingoin Co. (Bange Co.)
Xiyu Zheng and Shengsong Yu (1981) +1 other reference
      • Nyima Co. (Nima Co.)
Yuan et al. (2005) +1 other reference
Shaoxiu (1991)
    • Xigazê Prefecture (Rikaze Prefecture; Shigatse Prefecture)
      • Zhongba Co.
Shaoxiu (1991)
  • Xinjiang
    • Hotan Prefecture
      • Yutian Co.
Bingxiao (1992)
    • Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture
      • Tacheng Prefecture (Tarbaghatay Prefecture)
        • Junggar Basin
ZHANG et al. (2018) +2 other references
    • Wulumuqi Prefecture (Ürümqi Prefecture; Ürümchi Prefecture)
      • Dabancheng District
        • Dabancheng salt lakes
Bingxiao (1992)
  • Yunnan
    • Baoshan
      • Tengchong County
Meixiang et al. (1987)
Meixiang et al. (1987)
Czech Republic
  • Karlovy Vary Region
Jan Hloušek
    • Karlovy Vary District
      • Karlovy Vary
Cílek
Egypt
  • Beheira Governorate
Marchesini et al. (2009) +1 other reference
Marchesini et al. (2019)
Sapsford (2009) +1 other reference
Salem et al. (2018)
Marchesini et al. (2019)
Marchesini et al. (2019)
  • Giza Governorate
    • Al Jizah (Giza)
Palache et al. (1951)
Ethiopia
  • Oromia Region
    • Hawasa
Žáček et al. (2015)
Germany
  • Rhineland-Palatinate
    • Rhein-Lahn-Kreis
      • Loreley
        • Braubach
Schnorrer (1993)
Greece
  • Central Macedonia
    • Kilkis
      • Kilkis
Dotsika et al. (2009)
Greenland
  • Kujalleq
    • Ilímaussaq complex
Sørensen et al. (1970)
        • Kvanefjeld deposit
Petersen et al. (2001)
Petersen et al. (2002)
Hungary
  • Bács-Kiskun County
    • Kiskőrös District
Sándor et al. (2005)
    • Kiskunfélegyháza District
      • Pálmonostora
Sándor et al. (2005)
Italy
  • Campania
    • Metropolitan City of Naples
Russo +1 other reference
      • Pozzuoli
Sinno R. – (1957)
  • Sicily
    • Metropolitan City of Catania
      • Zafferana Etnea
www.cse.speleo.it
Kenya
  • Baringo County
Périnet et al. (1982)
  • Kajiado County
Nielsen (1999)
    • Mount Suswa (Suswa Volcano)
Forti et al. (2004)
  • Trans-Nzoia County
    • Mount Elgon
Bowell et al. (1996)
Libya
  • Wadi al Hayaa District
Piazza M. (1931)
Mexico
  • Guanajuato
Mariano et al. (2014, June)
Namibia
  • Oshana Region
    • Uuvudhiya
Foshag (1933) +1 other reference
Niger
  • Agadez
Saidou et al. (2015)
    • Bilma
      • Bilma Oasis
Saidou et al. (2015)
Saidou et al. (2015)
Saidou et al. (2015)
Peru
  • La Libertad
    • Pacasmayo Province
      • Jequetepeque District
Mees et al. (1991)
Poland
  • Silesian Voivodeship
    • Wodzisław County
      • Wodzisław Śląski
Kruszewski et al. (2018)
Russia
  • Aldan Shield
    • Chara and Tokko Rivers Confluence
      • Murunskii Massif
Vladykin et al. (2018)
  • Altai Krai
    • Klyuchevsky District
Ovdina +2 other references
Ovdina +2 other references
  • Buryatia
    • Baunt District
Solotchin et al. (2015)
  • Murmansk Oblast
PEKOV et al. (2013)
Yakovenchuk et al. (2003)
    • Kukisvumchorr Mt
Pekov (1998)
Mikhailova et al. (2022)
    • Lovozersky District
Pekov (1998) +1 other reference
        • Umbozero mine
Pekov (1998) +1 other reference
Khomyakov et al. (1982)
Pekov (1998)
Pekov (1998)
  • Sakha
    • Mirninsky District
      • Daldyn
Sharygin et al. (2008)
  • Zabaykalsky Krai
    • Nerchinsky District
      • Adun-Cholon Range
Kasatkin et al. (2014)
South Africa
  • Gauteng
    • City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Cairncross et al. (1995)
Spain
  • Aragon
    • Huesca
      • Grañén
Vizcayno et al. (1995)
      • Lalueza
Vizcayno et al. (1995)
      • Sariñena
Vizcayno et al. (1995)
  • Canary Islands
    • Santa Cruz de Tenerife Province
      • La Palma
        • Cumbre Vieja Area
Campeny et al. (2023)
      • Tenerife
        • Granadilla de Abona
Dill et al. (2023)
  • Castile and Leon
    • Segovia
Buey et al. (2025)
Buey et al. (2025)
Sanz-Montero et al. (2019) +1 other reference
  • Catalonia
    • Girona
      • Bescanó
rosellminerals.blogspot.com (n.d.)
Sudan
  • North Darfur
Nielsen (1999)
Switzerland
  • Valais
    • Martigny
      • Mont Chemin mining district
  • Vaud
    • Aigle
      • Bex
Stalder et al. (1998)
Tanzania
  • Arusha region
    • Ngorongoro District
Nielsen (1999)
Mitchell (2006) +2 other references
Palache et al. (1951)
Tunisia
  • Tataouine
Smykatz-Kloss et al. (2010)
Turkey
  • Ankara Province
Helvaci et al. (2004)
Helvaci (1998) +1 other reference
  • Balikesir Province
    • Gönen District
  • Konya Province
    • Ereğli District
Vergouwen (1979)
Uganda
  • Western Region
    • Kasese
      • Katwe-Kikorongo volcanic field (Katwe volcanic field)
Mineralogical Recoed 8:396 +2 other references
UK
  • England
    • Devon
      • East Devon
        • Budleigh Salterton
Brian Craik-Smith collection
    • North Yorkshire
      • Stockton-on-Tees
        • Billingham
Mineralogical Magazine 1959 32 : ...
Ukraine
Nesterovskiy et al. (2015)
    • Kerch Peninsula
      • Bondarenkovo Village area
Deyak M.A. Modern water-chemogenic ...
    • Simferopol area
      • Chistenkoye village
Geologiya SSSR (The geology of USSR)
  • Kyiv Oblast
    • Ivankiv Raion
: ... +1 other reference
USA
  • California
    • Inyo County
Ericksen et al. (1988)
Bailey (1902)
      • Deep Springs Valley
Jones (1961) +3 other references
      • Owens Valley
        • Olancha
USGS Bulletin 419: 256 +8 other references
    • Lake County
      • Sulphur Creek Mining District (Sulfur Creek Mining District; Wilbur Springs Mining District)
        • Clear Lake
- (2005)
        • Clear Lake Oaks
Vonsen (1935) +5 other references
    • Mono County
trona +3 other references
trona +5 other references
    • San Bernardino County
      • Hector
- (2005)
American Mineralogist 50:281 +10 other references
Smith (1957) +2 other references
  • Colorado
    • Alamosa County
Eckel et al. (1997)
- (2005)
    • Chaffee County
      • Chalk Creek District
Eckel et al. (1997)
    • Mesa County
Eckel et al. (1997)
    • Rio Blanco County
      • Piceance Basin
Eckel et al. (1997)
    • Saguache County
- (2005)
Murdoch (1966)
Palache et al. (1951) +2 other references
  • Michigan
    • Marquette County
      • Richmond Township
        • Palmer
Heinrich et al. (2004)
  • Nevada
    • Churchill County
      • Ragtown
        • Carson Sink
USBM Inf Circ 7093 (1939)
USBM Inf Circ 7093 (1939)
    • Mineral County
Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference
Ross (1961) +1 other reference
Hay (1964) +4 other references
    • Nye County
Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference
  • New Mexico
    • Cibola County
10th Annual New Mexico Mineral Symposium
    • Colfax County
      • Springer
        • Point of Rocks Mesa
Northrop et al. (1996)
    • McKinley County
      • Valle de San Miguel
Wheeler et al. (1875) +1 other reference
    • Otero County
2008 New Mexico Mineral Symposium ...
  • Oregon
    • Lake County
Rooney et al. (1969)
  • Utah
    • Duchesne County
Bullock (1981)
gsa.confex.com (n.d.)
U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report ... +1 other reference
  • Washington
    • Grant County
      • Warden
Cannon (1975)
www.dnr.wa.gov/geology/okanogan.htm.
  • Wyoming
    • Albany County
      • Laramie
Palache et al. (1951)
Clark (1993)
      • Green River Basin
- (2005)
- (2005)
- (2005)
- (2005)
RRUFF Project Specimen ID: R050228
USGS Professional Paper 474E +1 other reference
Mrose et al. (1961)
Fahey et al. (1963)
Fahey et al. (1941)
Fahey et al. (1963)
Fahey et al. (1963)
Am Min 49:778-781
Venezuela
  • Mérida
    • Lagunillas
Palache et al. (1951)
Zambia
  • Southern Province
    • Choma District
Van Ranst et al. (2008)
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