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Epsomite

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(Redirected from Epsom salt) Sulfate mineral

Epsomite
Epsomite formation from a Calatayud, Spain cave
General
CategorySulfate mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)		MgSO4·7H2O
IMA symbolEsm
Strunz classification7.CB.40
Dana classification29.6.11.1
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDisphenoidal (222)
H-M symbol: (2 2 2)
Space groupP2₁2₁2₁
Unit cella = 11.86, b = 11.99
c = 6.858 ; Z = 4
Identification
ColorWhite, grey, colorless, or pink, greenish
Crystal habitAcicular to fibrous encrustations
TwinningRarely observed on {110}
Cleavage{010} perfect {101} distinct
FractureConchoidal
Mohs scale hardness2
LusterVitreous, silky when fibrous
DiaphaneityTransparent to translucent
Specific gravity1.67–1.68
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)
Refractive indexnα = 1.433 nβ = 1.455 nγ = 1.461
Birefringenceδ = 0.028
2V angleMeasured: 52°
SolubilityIn water
Alters toDehydrates in dry air
References

Epsomite, Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, is a hydrous magnesium sulfate mineral with formula MgSO4·7H2O.

Physical properties

Epsomite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. The normal form is as massive encrustations, while acicular or fibrous crystals are rarely found. It is colorless to white with tints of yellow, green and pink. It is a soft mineral with variable Mohs hardness around 2.0~2.5, and it has a low specific gravity of 1.67.

It is readily soluble in water, and absorbs water from the air. It converts to hexahydrate with the loss of one water molecule and a switch to monoclinic structure.

The epsomite group includes solid solution series with morenosite (NiSO
4·7 H
2O) and goslarite (ZnSO
4·7 H
2O).

Etymology

It was first systematically described in 1806 for an occurrence near Epsom, Surrey, England, after which it was named. It has been also referred to as "cave cotton" when in its fibrous form.

Occurrence

Epsomite forms as encrustations or efflorescences on limestone cavern walls and mine timbers and walls, rarely as volcanic fumarole deposits, and as rare beds in evaporite layers such as those found in certain bodies of salt water. It occurs in association with melanterite, gypsum, halotrichite, pickeringite, alunogen, rozenite, and mirabilite.

Naturally occurring epsomite in caverns can potentially produce particulates of inhalable size, and may contain significant amounts of toxic impurities.

Uses

Epsom salt is commonly sold as the main ingredient in bath salt, with additives such as glycerin (used as a humectant) and fragrances. The purpose of bath salts is mostly to make the bathing experience more enjoyable and serve as a vehicle for cosmetics, though they are said to improve cleaning and aid in exfoliation.

Research on topical magnesium (for example Epsom salt baths) is very limited. The trade organization 'Epsom Salt Council' recommends bathing 2 or 3 times/week, using 500–600 g (18–21 oz) Epsom salts each time.

Gallery

Crystal structure of epsomite
scanning electron micrograph of epsomite fibers magnified 300 times, from a sample found on a wall of a former limestone quarry cavern in Ohio

See also

References

  1. Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. Vol. 85, no. 3. pp. 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. "Epsomite". Web Mineral (webmineral.com).
  3. ^ "Epsomite". Mindat.org.
  4. ^ Epsomite (PDF) (Report). Handbook of Mineralogy – via Dept. Geology, University of Arizona.
  5. ^ "Epsomite". Sulfates. Mineral galleries (mineral.galleries.com). Archived from the original on 17 March 2006.
  6. ^ Brueck, Scott E.; Hammond, Duane R.; Zwack, Leonard M.; Hatcher, Sarah (August 2023). "Evaluation of Occupational Exposures and Indoor Environmental Quality in an Underground Cavern Workplace" (PDF). U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Health Hazard Evaluation Report). Retrieved 31 May 2024.
  7. McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology (10th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. 2007. ISBN 9780071441438. OCLC 84152915.
  8. Giordani, Matteo; Meli, Maria Assunta; Roselli, Carla; Betti, Michele; Peruzzi, Fabio; Taussi, Marco; Valentini, Laura; Fagiolino, Ivan; Mattioli, Michele (April 2022). "Could soluble minerals be hazardous to human health? Evidence from fibrous epsomite". Environmental Research. 206: 112579. Bibcode:2022ER....20612579G. doi:10.1016/j.envres.2021.112579. hdl:11576/2693349. PMID 34968437.
  9. Browning, Marie (1999). Natural Soapmaking (1st ppb ed.). New York, NY: Sterling. ISBN 0-8069-6289-5. OCLC 42598586.
  10. Rath, Linda. "Why take an epsom salts bath?". WebMD (webmd.com). A-to-Z guides.
  11. Report on absorption of magnesium sulfate (PDF) (commercial / promotional). Epsom Salt Council. October 2015 – via epsomsaltcouncil.org.
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