Zeunerite
Appearance
Zeunerite | |
---|---|
General | |
Category | Arsenate mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) | Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2·(10-16)H2O |
IMA symbol | Zeu[1] |
Strunz classification | 8.EB.05 |
Dana classification | 40.02a.14.01 |
Crystal system | Tetragonal |
Crystal class | Ditetragonal dipyramidal (4/mmm) H-M symbol: (4/m 2/m 2/m) |
Space group | P4/nnc |
Identification | |
Color | Yellow-green, emerald-green |
Crystal habit | Crystals flat tabular on {001}, commonly subparallel to micaceous |
Cleavage | {001} perfect, {100}, distinct |
Mohs scale hardness | 2.5 |
Luster | Vitreous |
Streak | pale green |
Diaphaneity | Transparent, becoming translucent on dehydration |
Specific gravity | 3.2–3.4 |
Optical properties | Uniaxial (−) |
Refractive index | nω = 1.610 – 1.613 nε = 1.582 – 1.585 |
Birefringence | δ = 0.028 |
Pleochroism | Visible |
Other characteristics | Radioactive |
References | [2][3][4] |
Zeunerite is a green copper uranium arsenate mineral with formula Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2·(10-16)H2O. It is a member of the autunite group. The associated mineral metazeunerite is a dehydration product of zeunerite.
Zeunerite occurs as a secondary mineral in the oxidized weathering zone of hydrothermal uranium ore deposits which contain arsenic. Olivenite, mansfieldite, scorodite, azurite and malachite are found in association with zeunerite.[2]
It was first described in 1872 for an occurrence in the Schneeberg District, Ore Mountains, Saxony, Germany. It was named for Gustav Anton Zeuner (1828–1907).[3]
References
[edit]- ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
- ^ a b Handbook of Mineralogy
- ^ a b Mindat
- ^ Webmineral data