soorite

Soorite is a naturally occurring mineral composed primarily of sodium sulfate ($Na_2SO_4$). It is found in evaporite deposits, which are formed when bodies of water evaporate, leaving behind dissolved salts. Soorite can occur in various geological settings, including salt lakes, playas, and arid regions.

The mineral typically crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is often found as fibrous or needle-like aggregates. It can also appear as granular masses or encrustations. Soorite is generally colorless to white, though impurities can sometimes impart a pale yellow or gray hue. It has a relatively low Mohs hardness and a specific gravity of around 2.66. It is soluble in water, and its solubility varies with temperature, a characteristic that influences its formation and occurrence.

Soorite is closely related to other sodium sulfate minerals such as thenardite (also sodium sulfate, but with a different crystal structure) and glauberite ($Na_2Ca(SO_4)_2$). Under certain conditions, soorite can transform into other mineral phases or dissolve and recrystallize. Its presence is an indicator of specific arid or semi-arid environmental conditions and a history of evaporation. While not a widely mined mineral, sodium sulfate itself has various industrial applications, including in detergents, glass manufacturing, and the pulp and paper industry.