SAL_AMMONIAC
Specimen sal-3

Dims: 1.1 x 0.8 x 0.7" (2.8 x 2.0 x 1.8 cm)

Wt: 23.2 g w/ specimen box

Scholler Mine, Kladno, Czech Republic

Several very small Sal Ammoniac crystals rest on the rusty, chalky host rock of this specimen. These crystals do not exceed 0.3" (8 mm) along any axis, but appear to be in generally good condition, though a few of the larger ones on the edges of the host rock may be damaged and incomplete. The crystals have excellent and complex cubic-based form, which may be gyroidal. Their edges are relatively well-defined and their faces are clean and possess a luster that ranges widely from waxy to vitreous. All are colorless, transparent, and extremely clear- almost all interference with clarity is caused by surface patinas. The material on which they rest strongly resembles shale, but it is rather rusty. It is also glued to the base of an oblong plastic specimen box with a clear, removable cover.

Dims: 1.5 x 1.1 x 0.7" (3.8 x 2.8 x 1.8 cm)

Wt: 23.7 g w/ specimen box

Scholler Mine, Kladno, Czech Republic

At least 30 Sal Ammoniac crystals rest on the rusty host rock of this thumbnail specimen. They are generally in excellent condition- almost no damage is visible- and range in diameter from less than 2 mm to nearly 0.3" (8 mm). Though several of them are moderately to severely warped, most have excellent cubic-based crystal form; they commonly take on what appears to be a gyroidal form, though there do appear to be one or two definite trapezohedrons present. All have well-defined edges and clean faces that possess a generally vitreous luster. They are colorless, transparent, and extremely clear, containing almost no visible internal fractures or flaws. The host rock on which they rest has the appearance of a rust-covered shale, and is hot-glued onto the base of an oblong plastic specimen box, whose clear cover is completely removable.

Dims: 1.2 x 1.0 x 1.0" (3.0 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm)

Wt: 2.5 g

Centralia, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

This odd little specimen consists of a portion of a "crust" of Sal Ammoniac that was created through fumarolic activity caused by a fire in a coal mine. As the hot exhaust gases escaped, they coated the nearby ground with layers of the ammonium chloride mineral. This particular piece shows absolutely no evidence of crystal form, and has a dull yellow coloration and a matte luster. It is also essentially opaque and has a low mass, due to an almost spongelike internal structure. A few small pieces of what might be a rusty shale base rock are attached.

Dims: 1.2 x 0.8 x 0.8" (3.0 x 2.0 x 2.0 cm)

Wt: 25.7 g w/ specimen box

Scholler Mine, Kladno, Czech Republic

At least 25 small Sal Ammoniac crystals rest on the iron-bearing host rock of this thumbnail specimen. These crystals range in diameter from 2 mm to 0.2" (6 mm) and are generally in very good condition. Their dodecahedral forms are often very warped due to intergrowth and other growing conditions, but most have excellent form with well-defined edges and clean faces that possess a bright pearly-to-vitreous luster. They are generally colorless, transparent, and very clear, though a few may show interference through rust inclusions from the iron-bearing host rock. The piece is hot-glued into a plastic specimen box.

Dims: 0.9 x 0.3 x 0.2" (2.3 x 0.8 x 0.5 cm)

Wt: 9.2 g w/ specimen box

Ravat, Tadzikhistan

A few dendritic Sal Ammoniac crystals make up this small specimen. It basically consists of a single dendritic crystal that has sprouted a few noticeable "branches". It is in excellent condition, showing no visible damage, and has exceptional cubic-based form with a high amount of detail. Its milky-white color and dull waxy luster are standard for its species, and it is generally translucent and cloudy. There is no host rock of any sort present, and the piece is affixed to a plastic specimen box with an adhesive putty.

Dims: 0.9 x 0.2 x 0.2" (2.3x 0.5 x 0.5 cm)

Wt: 15.3 g w/ specimen box

Ravat, Tadzikhistan

A single dendritic formation of Sal Ammoniac makes up this specimen. This formation is made up of several Sal Ammoniac crystals that branch off of a central line of growth. The newer crystals at the top of the formation are smaller than the older ones, giving it a conical, "pine tree" shape. These crystals do not exceed 0.1" (3 mm) in length and are in excellent condition, showing no damage. Their form appears to be quite good, though magnification is needed to properly study it. All have a milky-white color and a dull luster, and are translucent. There is no base or host rock present, and the piece is affixed inside a plastic specimen box with an adhesive putty.

Dims: 0.6 x 0.5 x 0.2" (1.5 x 1.3 x 0.5 cm)

Wt: 8.5 g

Pamir Mountains, Russia

This small thumbnail specimen consists of a branching, dendritic Sal Ammoniac formation. This formation resembles those that are sometimes formed by such native metals as gold and silver. The Sal Ammoniac shows definite crsytal form, though individual crystals are impossible to discern. The material has a dull white coloration and a pearly luster and is translucent. There is no host rock present, and it is affixed inside a plastic specimen box with a hot glue.

Dims: 1.2 x 0.4 x 0.3" (3.0 x 1.0 x 0.8 cm)

Wt: 1 g

near Ravat Village, Tajikistan

This delicate thumbnail specimen consists of an arborescent formation of Sal Ammoniac Crystals. The formation is in excellent condition, showing almost no damage, and has very good form and symmetry. The Sal Ammoniac itself has a dull white color and a dull matte luster, and is translucent. Several tiny native sulfur crystals have formed along the ridge on the back of the formation- they are well-formed, but magnification is needed to study them. There is no host rock present, however.