What is Trona and Soda Ash?
Trona is a naturally occurring mineral that is chemically known as sodium sesquicarbonate. Trona is the raw material from which the chemical soda ash (sodium carbonate) is refined. Soda ash in turn is used to make glass, paper, laundry detergents and many other products. It is also used in the manufacture of other chemicals including sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and sodium phosphates (detergents). Over 90% of the soda ash produced in the United States and about 25% of the world’s supply is natural soda ash from Sweetwater County. Trona Capital of the World In recognition of the importance of the trona/soda ash industry to the economy of the State of Wyoming, on November 3, 1989 Sweetwater County was proclaimed as Trona Capital of the World by Governor Mike Sullivan. Reprinted from Sweetwater County Historical Museum brochure.
