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'''Epsomite''', '''Epsom salt''', or '''magnesium sulfate heptahydrate''', is a [[hydrous]] [[magnesium sulfate]] mineral with formula {{chem2|MgSO4*7H2O}}.
'''Epsomite''', '''Epsom salt''', or '''magnesium sulfate heptahydrate''', is a [[hydrous]] [[magnesium sulfate]] mineral with formula {{chem2|MgSO4*7H2O}}.


== Physical properties ==
Epsomite crystallizes in the [[orthorhombic]] system as rarely found acicular or fibrous crystals; the normal form is as massive encrustations. It is colorless to white with tints of yellow, green and pink. It is a soft mineral with variable [[Mohs hardness]] around 2.0~2.5, and it has a low [[specific gravity]] {{nobr| of 1.67 g/ml.}}
Epsomite crystallizes in the [[orthorhombic]] system. The normal form is as massive encrustations, while [[Acicular (crystal habit)|acicular]] or fibrous crystals are as rarely found. It is colorless to white with tints of yellow, green and pink. It is a soft mineral with variable [[Mohs hardness]] around 2.0~2.5, and it has a low [[specific gravity]] {{nobr| of 1.67 g/ml.}}


It is readily soluble in water. It absorbs water from the air and converts to hexahydrate with the loss of one water molecule and a switch to [[monoclinic]] structure.
It is readily soluble in water, and absorbs water from the air. It converts to hexahydrate with the loss of one water molecule and a switch to [[monoclinic]] structure.


⚫
The epsomite group includes [[solid solution]] series with [[morenosite]] ({{chem|Ni|S|O|4}}·{{chem|7 H|2|O}}) and [[goslarite]] ({{chem|Zn|S|O|4}}·{{chem|7 H|2|O}}).<ref name="Mindat" />{{Clarification needed|date=May 2024}}
⚫
==Etymology==

⚫
== Etymology ==
It was first systematically described in 1806 for an occurrence near [[Epsom]], [[Surrey]], [[England]], after which it was named.
It was first systematically described in 1806 for an occurrence near [[Epsom]], [[Surrey]], [[England]], after which it was named.


==Occurrence==
==Discovery and occurrence==
Epsomite forms as [[encrustation]]s or [[efflorescence]]s on [[limestone]] cavern walls and mine timbers and walls, rarely as [[volcanic]] [[fumarole]] deposits, and as rare beds in [[evaporite]] layers such as those found in certain bodies of salt water.<ref>{{cite book |title=McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology |edition=10th |year=2007 |place=New York, NY |publisher=McGraw-Hill |isbn=9780071441438 |oclc=84152915}}</ref> It occurs in association with [[melanterite]], [[gypsum]], [[halotrichite]], [[pickeringite]], [[alunogen]], [[rozenite]], and [[mirabilite]].<ref name=HBM/>
Epsomite forms as [[encrustation]]s or [[efflorescence]]s on [[limestone]] cavern walls and mine timbers and walls, rarely as [[volcanic]] [[fumarole]] deposits, and as rare beds in [[evaporite]] layers such as those found in certain bodies of salt water.<ref>{{cite book |title=McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology |edition=10th |year=2007 |place=New York, NY |publisher=McGraw-Hill |isbn=9780071441438 |oclc=84152915}}</ref> It occurs in association with [[melanterite]], [[gypsum]], [[halotrichite]], [[pickeringite]], [[alunogen]], [[rozenite]], and [[mirabilite]].<ref name=HBM/>

==Related minerals==
⚫
The epsomite group includes [[solid solution]] series with [[morenosite]] ({{chem|Ni|S|O|4}}·{{chem|7 H|2|O}}) and [[goslarite]] ({{chem|Zn|S|O|4}}·{{chem|7 H|2|O}}).<ref name=Mindat/>

⚫
[[File:Epsomite crystal structure.png|thumb|350px|left|Crystal structure of epsomite]]

==Research==
⚫
Research on [[Topical medication|topical]] magnesium (for example Epsom salt baths) is very limited.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rath |first1=Linda |title=Why take an epsom salts bath? |series = A-to-Z guides |website=WebMD (webmd.com) |lang=en-US |url=https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/epsom-salt-bath }}</ref> The [[trade organization]] 'Epsom Salt Council' recommends bathing 2 or 3&nbsp;times/week, using {{cvt|500-600|g|oz}} Epsom salts each time.<ref>{{cite report |title = Report on absorption of magnesium sulfate |publisher = Epsom Salt Council |date = October 2015 |type = commercial / promotional |url = https://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/report_on_absorption_of_magnesium_sulfate.pdf |via = epsomsaltcouncil.org }}</ref>

{{clear left}}
==Uses==
==Uses==
Epsom salt is commonly sold as the main ingredient in [[Bath salts|bath salt]], with additives such as [[glycerin]] (used as a [[humectant]]) and fragrances. The purpose of bath salts is mostly to make the bathing experience more enjoyable and serve as a vehicle for cosmetics, though they are said to improve cleaning and aid in exfoliation.<ref>{{cite book |last=Browning |first=Marie |year=1999 |title=Natural Soapmaking |edition=1st [[paperback|ppb]] |place=New York, NY |publisher=Sterling |isbn=0-8069-6289-5 |oclc=42598586 |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/42598586}}</ref>
Epsom salt is commonly sold as the main ingredient in [[Bath salts|bath salt]], with additives such as [[glycerin]] (used as a [[humectant]]) and fragrances. The purpose of bath salts is mostly to make the bathing experience more enjoyable and serve as a vehicle for cosmetics, though they are said to improve cleaning and aid in exfoliation.<ref>{{cite book |last=Browning |first=Marie |year=1999 |title=Natural Soapmaking |edition=1st [[paperback|ppb]] |place=New York, NY |publisher=Sterling |isbn=0-8069-6289-5 |oclc=42598586 |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/42598586}}</ref>
{{clear|left}}


⚫
Research on [[Topical medication|topical]] magnesium (for example Epsom salt baths) is very limited.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rath |first1=Linda |title=Why take an epsom salts bath? |series = A-to-Z guides |website=WebMD (webmd.com) |lang=en-US |url=https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/epsom-salt-bath }}</ref> The [[trade organization]] 'Epsom Salt Council' recommends bathing 2 or 3&nbsp;times/week, using {{cvt|500-600|g|oz}} Epsom salts each time.<ref>{{cite report |title = Report on absorption of magnesium sulfate |publisher = Epsom Salt Council |date = October 2015 |type = commercial / promotional |url = https://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/report_on_absorption_of_magnesium_sulfate.pdf |via = epsomsaltcouncil.org }}</ref>
==See also==
==See also==
* [[Magnesium sulfate]]
* [[Magnesium sulfate]]
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* {{cite web |title = Epsomite |department = Sulfates |website = Mineral galleries (mineral.galleries.com) |url = http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/sulfates/epsomite/epsomite.htm |url-status = dead <!-- presumed --> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060317160728/http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/sulfates/epsomite/epsomite.htm |archive-date = 2006-03-17 |df = dmy-all }}
* {{cite web |title = Epsomite |department = Sulfates |website = Mineral galleries (mineral.galleries.com) |url = http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/sulfates/epsomite/epsomite.htm |url-status = dead <!-- presumed --> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060317160728/http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/sulfates/epsomite/epsomite.htm |archive-date = 2006-03-17 |df = dmy-all }}

{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

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[[File:Epsomite crystal structure.png|thumb|350px|Crystal structure of epsomite]]


[[Category:Magnesium minerals]]
[[Category:Magnesium minerals]]

Revision as of 21:18, 31 May 2024

Epsomite
Epsomite formation from a Calatayud, Spain cave
General
CategorySulfate mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)		MgSO4·7H2O
IMA symbolEsm[1]
Strunz classification7.CB.40
Dana classification29.6.11.1
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDisphenoidal (222)
H-M symbol: (2 2 2)
Space groupP2₁2₁2₁
Unit cella = 11.86, b = 11.99
c = 6.858 [Å]; Z = 4
Identification
ColorWhite, grey, colorless, or pink, greenish
Crystal habitAcicular to fibrous encrustations
TwinningRarely observed on {110}
Cleavage{010} perfect {101} distinct
FractureConchoidal
Mohs scale hardness2
LusterVitreous, silky when fibrous
DiaphaneityTransparent to translucent
Specific gravity1.67–1.68 g/ml
Optical propertiesBiaxial (−)
Refractive indexnα = 1.433 nβ = 1.455 nγ = 1.461
Birefringenceδ = 0.028
2V angleMeasured: 52°
SolubilityIn water
Alters toDehydrates in dry air
References[2][3][4]

Epsomite, Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, is a hydrous magnesium sulfate mineral with formula MgSO4·7H2O.

Physical properties

Epsomite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. The normal form is as massive encrustations, while acicular or fibrous crystals are as rarely found. It is colorless to white with tints of yellow, green and pink. It is a soft mineral with variable Mohs hardness around 2.0~2.5, and it has a low specific gravity of 1.67 g/ml.

It is readily soluble in water, and absorbs water from the air. It converts to hexahydrate with the loss of one water molecule and a switch to monoclinic structure.

The epsomite group includes solid solution series with morenosite (NiSO
4·7 H
2O) and goslarite (ZnSO
4·7 H
2O).[3][clarification needed]

Etymology

It was first systematically described in 1806 for an occurrence near Epsom, Surrey, England, after which it was named.

Occurrence

Epsomite forms as encrustations or efflorescences on limestone cavern walls and mine timbers and walls, rarely as volcanic fumarole deposits, and as rare beds in evaporite layers such as those found in certain bodies of salt water.[5] It occurs in association with melanterite, gypsum, halotrichite, pickeringite, alunogen, rozenite, and mirabilite.[4]

Uses

Epsom salt is commonly sold as the main ingredient in bath salt, with additives such as glycerin (used as a humectant) and fragrances. The purpose of bath salts is mostly to make the bathing experience more enjoyable and serve as a vehicle for cosmetics, though they are said to improve cleaning and aid in exfoliation.[6]

Research on topical magnesium (for example Epsom salt baths) is very limited.[7] The trade organization 'Epsom Salt Council' recommends bathing 2 or 3 times/week, using 500–600 g (18–21 oz) Epsom salts each time.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. Vol. 85, no. 3. pp. 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ "Epsomite". Web Mineral (webmineral.com).
  3. ^ a b "Epsomite". Mindat.org.
  4. ^ a b Epsomite (PDF) (Report). Handbook of Mineralogy – via Dept. Geology, University of Arizona.
  5. ^ McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology (10th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. 2007. ISBN 9780071441438. OCLC 84152915.
  6. ^ Browning, Marie (1999). Natural Soapmaking (1st ppb ed.). New York, NY: Sterling. ISBN 0-8069-6289-5. OCLC 42598586.
  7. ^ Rath, Linda. "Why take an epsom salts bath?". WebMD (webmd.com). A-to-Z guides.
  8. ^ Report on absorption of magnesium sulfate (PDF) (commercial / promotional). Epsom Salt Council. October 2015 – via epsomsaltcouncil.org.
Crystal structure of epsomite
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