Shortite

Shortite
General
Category	Carbonate minerals
Formula (repeating unit)	Na2Ca2(CO3)3
Strunz classification	5.AC.25
Crystal system	Orthorhombic
Crystal class	Pyramidal (mm2) H-M symbol: (mm2)
Space group	Amm2
Identification
Colour	Colourless, light yellow, light green
Cleavage	Distinct/good on {010}
Fracture	Conchoidal
Mohs scale hardness	3
Vitreous|re|er}}	Vitreous
Diaphaneity	Transparent
Specific gravity	2.6
Density	2.6
Optical properties	Biaxial (−)
Refractive index	nα = 1.531 nβ = 1.555 nγ = 1.570
Birefringence	0.039
Dispersion	r < v moderate

Shortite is a sodium-calcium carbonate mineral, with the chemical formula Na₂Ca₂(CO₃)₃. It was discovered by J. J. Fahey in well cuttings from the Green River Formation, Sweetwater County, Wyoming, US, and was named to honor Maxwell N. Short (1889–1952), Professor of Mineralogy, University of Arizona.

Shortite is associated with commercial trona ores, and some care must be taken when beneficiating crude trona to avoid contamination with shortite.^[2]

See also

• Aragonite
• Calcite
• Nahcolite
• Natron
• Sodium sesquicarbonate
• Thermonatrite
• Trona
• Vaterite

References

• Mindata, with localities
• Shortite data

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