Page 28 - The Periodic Table Book

11
Na Sodium

11 11 12 State: Solid
Discovery: 1807
Alkali Metals Forms mineral is an example Clinoptilolite

This sodium-rich
of a zeolite, a mineral
with tiny holes that
can trap gases.

Pure halite crystals

Sodalite cabochon

Soft, shiny metal

Polished gemstone made
of the mineral sodalite

The thick, white crust
covering this salt flat contains
sodium chloride and other salts.

Laboratory sample of
pure sodium in an airless vial

This glass case
holding pure sodium has
no air in it, to prevent
Cube-shaped the metal from reacting
transparent crystals with oxygen in air. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Everyday salt contains lots of sodium. halite, and it is what makes seawater salty. Other
Although abundant on Earth, sodium is sodium minerals include sodalite, a soft blue
never found in its pure form naturally: it forms stone that can be shaped and polished. Pure
compounds with other elements. Sodium chloride, sodium is soft enough to be cut with a knife.
which also contains chlorine, is the most common It reacts with oxygen in the air, forming a
26 sodium compound. It is also known as the mineral compound called sodium oxide, and bursts

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