LIEBIGITE

    Class : Carbonates, nitrates, borates
    Subclass : Uranyl carbonates
    Crystal system : Orthorhombic
    Chemistry : Ca2(UO2)(CO3)3 11H2O
    Rarity : Rare to uncommon

Liebigite is a rare hydrated carbonate of calcium and uranium which is found in the oxidation zone of uranium deposits. It is a secondary mineral whose genesis is frequently current : it then forms efflorescences in mine galleries. Liebigite was named in honor of Baron Justus von Liebig, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Munich. Liebigite crystals are short to equant prismatic, but generally coarse, with convex faces and rounded edges. The mineral occurs more commonly in scaly or grainy aggregates, and in fine coatings, green to green-yellow in color.

Main photo : 9.3 cm liddicoatite crystal from Sahatany Valley, Ibity, Madagascar

Liddicoatite from Minh Tien Mine, Luc Yên, Vietnam © Rob Lavinsky
Slice of liddicoatite from Madagascar © GIA
Liddicoatite slice from Madagascar © Cut Edge Gems
Slice of liddicoatite from Alakamisy Itenina, Vohibato, Madagascar © Joe Budd

Liebigite in the World

Liebigite is relatively common on the Czech deposit of Jachymov, it is also present in the polymetallic uranium veins of Saxony such as Schneeberg or Schmiedeberg (Germany). It is also reported in many American uranium deposits in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Pennsylvania where its crystals can reach 2 cm.

Liebigite in France

In France, liebigite is known in millimeter crystals in Rabejac and in the Lodève basin (Hérault) and in Saint-Léger-de-Peyre (Lozère).

Twinning

No twin known for this mineral species.

Fakes and treatments

No fakes recorded for this mineral species.


Hardness : 2.5 to 3
Density : 2.41
Fracture : Undetermined
Streak : Pale green

TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1.494 to 1.542
Birefringence : 0.041
Optical character : Biaxial +
Pleochroism : Visible
Fluorescence : Green

Solubility : Sulfuric acid

Magnetism : NoneRadioactivity : Strong

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