URANOSPATHITE

    Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
    Subclass : Uranyl phosphates
    Crystal system : Tetragonal
    Chemistry : HAl(UO2)4(PO4)4 40H2O
    Rarity : Very rare

Uranospathite is a uranyl phosphate from the oxidation zone of hydrothermal uranium deposits. Its name comes from its chemical composition and from the Greek spathe (sword), in allusion to its elongated habitus. Uranospathite forms small rectangular lamellae of 1 mm maximum, gathered in flabelliform aggregates, sometimes exposing a cruciform twin, yellow to pale green and bluish green in color. It frequently forms intergrowths with bassetite.

Main photo : Uranospathite from Don Benito, Badajoz, Spain © Christian Rewitzer

Uranospathite in the World

Uranospathite is a very rare mineral, known from less than 10 deposits in the world. Good specimens come from the Basset mine near Illogan in Cornwall, England. It is also present at Mezenschwand (Black Forest, Germany) and Radium Hill (Australia).

Uranopilite in France

In France, uranospathite is known from the Crouzille mine and from Vénachat near Compreignac (Haute-Vienne).

Right photo : Uranospathite from Compreignac, Haute-Vienne, France © Frédéric Bonnet

Twinning

Twins are known on {110}, forming cruciform groupings.

Fakes and treatments

No fakes listed for this mineral species.


Hardness : 2 to 2.5
Density : 2.5
Fracture : Undetermined
Streak : Undetermined

TP : Translucent
RI : 1.492 to 1.521
Birefringence : 0.029
Optical character : Biaxial -
Pleochroism : Visible
Fluorescence : None

Solubility : -

Magnetism : NoneRadioactivity : Strong

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