Löweite

Löweite
Names
Systematic IUPAC name
Dodecasodium heptamagnesium tridecasulfate pentadecahydrate
Other names
  • Loweite
  • Loeweite
Properties
Na12Mg7(SO4)13·15H2O
Appearance Colorless; may appear reddish‑yellow to orange if iron oxide impurities are present
Density 2.36–2.42 g/cm3
Structure
Hexagonal–trigonal
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Löweite is a rare evaporite sulfate mineral with the chemical formula Na12Mg7(SO4)13·15H2O.[1] It occurs in marine salt deposits, saline playa crusts, and occasionally as a volcanic sublimation product. The mineral crystallizes in the hexagonal–trigonal system (space group R3) and is typically colorless, though it may appear reddish-yellow due to impurities.[2] Löweite has a vitreous luster and a Mohs hardness of 2.5–3.[3]

Discovery

Löweite was discovered in 1846 in at the Bad Ischler Salzberg near Bad Ischl, Austria.[2] and described and classified by the Austrian mineralogist Wilhelm Haidinger in 1847.[2] It is named in honor of the Austrian chemist and the Chief Assayer at the Mint in Vienna Alexander Löwe.[3]

Information

Examples of some Localities
Austria Germany Italy
Bad Ischler Salzberg (Perneck, Bad Ischl, Upper Austria)[1] Wilhelmshall near Staßfurt (Sachsen-Anhalt)[1] Le Cetine di Cotorniano Mine (Chiusdino, Siena, Tuscany)[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Loweite Mineral Data". webmineral.com. Retrieved 2026-02-21.
  2. ^ a b c d "Löweite". Mindat.org. Retrieved 2026-02-21.
  3. ^ a b "Löweite" (PDF). Mineral Data Publishing. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
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