Nahcolit

Nahcolite is a mineral composed of sodium bicarbonate, with the chemical formula NaHCO3. It is the naturally occurring form of baking soda. Nahcolite typically occurs as colorless to white crystals or as fibrous, granular, or massive aggregates. It is known for its salty taste.

The mineral is often found in evaporite deposits, which are formed by the evaporation of water in arid or semi-arid environments. It can also be associated with trona, another sodium carbonate mineral. Nahcolite deposits are often found in ancient lakebeds and playas.

Geological occurrences of nahcolite include the Piceance Basin in Colorado, United States, where it is found in significant quantities within oil shale deposits. Other locations include Turkey, China, and parts of Africa.

Nahcolite has various industrial uses. It is a primary source for the production of commercial sodium bicarbonate, which has widespread applications in food, pharmaceuticals, cleaning products, and fire extinguishers. Its ability to neutralize acids makes it useful in industrial processes and environmental applications, such as flue gas desulfurization to remove sulfur dioxide from emissions. Nahcolite's unique properties and widespread distribution contribute to its economic importance.