Pirssonite
3 in the gallery
Pirssonite is a hydrated sodium calcium carbonate mineral that forms translucent to white crystals. It typically occurs as tabular to prismatic crystals with a vitreous to resinous luster and a relatively soft Mohs hardness, often found in arid evaporite environments. The mineral’s best known specimens come from classic Egyptian localities, where dry conditions and evaporite assemblages favor its growth and preservation. Collectors prize Pirssonite for its delicate crystal habit, pale coloration, and rarity in hand-sized pieces that still show sharp faces.
- Formula
- Na2Ca(CO3)2 · 2H2O
- Rarity
- Rare
- Stability
- Moderately Stable
- Collector interest
- High Interest
- Classification notes
- Carbonate minerals; hydrated sodium calcium carbonates
Where Pirssonite is found
Top localities
- El-Hamra Lake3 specimens
About Pirssonite
In hand-specimens, Pirssonite can display a glassy to lustrous surface and a tendency to form layered, sometimes twinned, crystal aggregates. Its interpretation within carbonate- and sulfate-rich evaporite sequences makes it a distinctive addition to a collection of evaporite minerals, offering a peek into mineral-forming processes in desert environments. Although not often abundant in modern mines, high-quality, well-formed examples from Egypt and similar locales are sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate fine crystal morphology and the mineral’s historical collecting significance.