Epsomite | |
Chemical Formula |
MgSO4·7H2O |
Species |
Sulfates |
Crystal System |
Orthorhombic |
Mohs Scale |
2 |
Specific Gravity |
1.67-1.68 |
Color |
White, grey, colorless, or pink, greenish |
Streak |
White |
Luster |
Vitreous, Silky, Earthy |
Refractive Index |
n = 1.433 n = 1.455 n = 1.461 |
Diaphaneity |
Transparent, Translucent |
Cleavage |
PerfectPerfect on , distinct on . |
Fracture |
Conchoidal |
Crystal Habit:Acicular to fibrous encrustations | |
Geological Setting:Typically found growing as efflorescences in sheltered spots on outcrops of dolomitic or calcerous rocks; often found growing on the walls of caves and in salt lake deposits; also often found growing on the walls of coal and metal mines, including on wooden supports and abandoned equipment. |