Niter
Niter or nitre is the mineral form of potassium nitrate, KNO3. It is a soft, white, highly soluble mineral found primarily in arid climates or cave deposits.
| Niter | |
|---|---|
A niter crystal under a polarizing microscope | |
| General | |
| Category | Nitrates, oxide mineral |
| Formula (repeating unit) | KNO3 |
| IMA symbol | Nit |
| Strunz classification | 5.NA.10 |
| Dana classification | 18.1.2.1 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Crystal class | Dipyramidal (mmm) H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| Space group | Cmc21 |
| Identification | |
| Color | White |
| Crystal habit | Druse or acicular |
| Cleavage | Very good on {001}; good on {010} |
| Fracture | Brittle |
| Mohs scale hardness | 2 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.10 (calc.) |
| Solubility | Soluble |
| References | |
Historically, the term niter was not well differentiated from natron, both of which have been very vaguely defined but generally refer to compounds of sodium or potassium joined with carbonate or nitrate ions.
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