Salammoniac Locality: former Ravat Village, Yagnob River, joint of Zeravshan and Gissar Range, Viloyati Sogd (Viloyati Sughd), Tajikistan ( Locality at mindat.org ) Size: thumbnail, 2.7 x 1.2 x 1 cm Salammoniac Sal Ammoniac is a weird orgnaic species of ammonium chloride composition. This is a striking Sal Ammoniac crystal with unbelievably sharp and aesthetic spines. Their luster, clarity, and form are terrific, and the little bit of gray along the back spines adds interest and contrast. — Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0
Salammoniac
Natural ammonium chloride — white-to-yellow isometric crystals deposited around volcanic fumaroles and burning coal seams.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Salammoniac is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the organic mineral class, with the chemical formula (NH₄)Cl.
It crystallizes in the cubic crystal system (space group Pm-3m).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 1–2; specific gravity 1.532; Vitreous luster.
IMA symbol Sam, IMA status: approved, named in 1556.
A sublimation product around volcanic fumaroles; in burning coal seams and waste piles; in guano deposits. The ammonia usually is derived from organic matter.
It is found associated with Sulfur (fumaroles); realgar, orpiment, sulfur, mascagnite, tschermigite (burning coal).
The name comes from the Greek, sal ammoniac, applied in antiquity to the synthetic compound.