Nitrates

 

The dominant building block of this mineral class is the NO3- triangle. The class is composed of two minerals.

Nitrates are not that common due to their solubility in water. In fact, some solid nitrate crystals will even become liquid by removing water from the moisture in the air- a process called deliquescence. Most nitrates are found in arid and desert regions or as efflorescence on dry cave or mine walls.

Minerals

Soda Niter

Mineral Photos courtesy of R.Weller/Cochise College