How do I identify Mascagnite?

Mascagnite can be identified by its hardness of 2 - 2.5 on the Mohs scale, Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Mascagnite?

Mascagnite typically appears in Colourless, grey, yellowish-grey, yellow; colourless in transmitted light. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Mascagnite?

Mascagnite has a hardness of 2 - 2.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a soft mineral that can be scratched easily.

How to Identify Mascagnite | Properties, Meaning & Uses

What is Mascagnite?

Mascagnite is a rare ammonium sulfate mineral (NH4)2SO4. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system typically forming as stalactitic masses exhibiting good cleavage. It is soft (not higher than 2.5 on the Mohs Scale) and water-soluble. Optical properties are variable; the purest form is transparent and colorless, but opaque gray or yellow deposits are also known. It occurs in fumaroles, as at Mount Vesuvius and associated with coal seam fires. It was named for Italian anatomist Paolo Mascagni (1752–1815) who first described the mineral.

Mascagnite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Mascagnite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Mascagnite Localities Map

See where Mascagnite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.