Nyerereite

Nyerereite mixed with anhydrite

Origin: Schoeller mine, Kladno, Czech Republic

Sample size: 2 x 2 x 1 cm

 

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Collected from the only active natrocarbonatite volcano in the world. Natrocarbonatite is made up largely of two minerals, nyerereite and gregoryite. The minerals are both carbonates in which sodium and potassium are present in significant quantities. Both of these minerals are anhydrous (i.e they contain no water) and when they come into contact with the moisture of the atmosphere, they begin to react extremely quickly. The specimens were collected in molten state and sealed in glass vials under argon atmosphere

Origin: Oldoinyo Lengai, Arush Region, Tanzania (type locality for both minerals)

Sample size: 6 x 13 mm

 

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