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Methane
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Formula:
CH4
A gas at standard temperature and pressure. Carbureted hydrogen or marsh gas or combustible gases - formed by the decomposition of organic matter. The most common gas found in coal mines.
It is a tasteless, colorless, nonpoisonous, and odorless gas; in mines the presence of impurities may give it a peculiar smell. It weighs less than air and may therefore form layers along the roof and occupy roof cavities.
Methane will not support life or combustion; with air, however, it forms an explosive mixture, CH4+2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O. The gases resulting from a methane explosion are irrespirable.
Methane is often referred to as combustible gases because it is the principal gas composing a mixture that, when combined with proper proportions of air, will explode when ignited. Breathing methane causes ill effects only where the air is so heavily laden with it that oxygen is supplanted.
For the solid phase found on other planets, please see methane ice.
It is a tasteless, colorless, nonpoisonous, and odorless gas; in mines the presence of impurities may give it a peculiar smell. It weighs less than air and may therefore form layers along the roof and occupy roof cavities.
Methane will not support life or combustion; with air, however, it forms an explosive mixture, CH4+2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O. The gases resulting from a methane explosion are irrespirable.
Methane is often referred to as combustible gases because it is the principal gas composing a mixture that, when combined with proper proportions of air, will explode when ignited. Breathing methane causes ill effects only where the air is so heavily laden with it that oxygen is supplanted.
For the solid phase found on other planets, please see methane ice.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
470902
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:470902:8
Chemistry of Methane
Mindat Formula:
CH4
Elements listed:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 1 photo of Methane associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 1 photo of Methane associated with 'Petroleum' | |
| 1 photo of Methane associated with 'Asphaltite' |
Other Information
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Methane
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-470902.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Methane
Reference List:
Localities for Methane
Showing 6 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Canada | |
| Grema et al. (2024) |
China | |
| Hu et al. (2024) |
Indian Ocean | |
| Lim et al. (2022) |
Madagascar | |
| Renfro et al. (2023) |
| Renfro et al. (2023) |
Turkey | |
| Şentürk (2026) |
