Class : Carbonates, nitrates, borates
    Subclass : Hydrated carbonates
    Crystal system : Monoclinic
    Chemistry : Na₂CO₃ 10H₂O
    Rarity : Uncommon to fairly common

Natron is mainly a mineral of evaporitic origin, sometimes present, but more rarely, in volcanic solfataras (Etna, Vesuvius, Italy). It is a hydrated sodium carbonate that forms during the evaporation of sodium-rich lakes (Searles Lake, California, Gobi Desert, China and Mongolia), associated with thermonatrite, trona, gaylussite and calcite. Natron is a very fragile mineral : easily soluble and easily dehydrated to thermonatrite in dry air. Its name comes from the Arabic natrun which designated rock salt, it is a mineral known since Antiquity. It most often appears in efflorescences without distinct crystalline forms, more rarely in rhomboidal tablets with clear cleavage, white to white-gray in color, sometimes yellowish. It is a notable sodium ore.

Main photo : Natron from Wyoming, USA © Steve Hardinger

Twins are known on {001}.

No fakes recorded for this mineral species.