How a Crystal of Sodium Carbonate Is Formed
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Sodium Carbonate
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Sodium carbonate is one of the basic, industrial chemicals used today. Used in photographic flashes, and even more commonly in the making of glass where sodium carbonate is referred to simply as soda. Sodium carbonate is also used for its properties to neutralize acids as a chemical added to pools. Made up of 2 atoms of sodium, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms, this chemical is a staple of many industries. Like all carbonates, sodium carbonate is the result of an interaction with a base and carbonic acid.
Formation
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Sodium carbonate naturally occurs in small crystals. When the base of sodium (which is not usually very chemically reactive) comes into contact with carbonic acid, the resulting chemical reaction forms sodium carbonate. While it is formed in crystals, sodium carbonate looks like a plain, white powder to most people who see it. This process naturally occurs in arid regions when seasonal lakes and streams dry up. As the water evaporates, the leftover materials, often sodium salts and a form of carbonic acid, may combine.
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Location
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Naturally occurring crystals of sodium carbonate have been found since ancient times in the dried beds of lakes and streams. Often they're found in the form of natron, which is made up of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate crystals held together. Arid regions produce the largest amount of this useful mineral, but it can be created artificially if the needs of industry demand it. In America, large amounts of sodium carbonate crystals are found in lake brine in California, and they're also mined from certain areas in Wyoming.
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