Curite
Curite | |
---|---|
General | |
Category | Oxide mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) | Pb3(UO2)8O8(OH)6·3(H2O) |
IMA symbol | Cui[1] |
Strunz classification | 4.GB.55 |
Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
Crystal class | Dipyramidal (mmm) H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
Space group | Pnam |
Unit cell | a = 12.551 Å, b = 7.008 Å, c = 6.983 Å; Z = 2 |
Identification | |
Color | Yellow, reddish orange, brownish yellow. |
Crystal habit | Massive, acicular, compact earthy. |
Cleavage | {100}, imperfect |
Tenacity | Brittle |
Mohs scale hardness | 4-5 |
Luster | Adamantine |
Streak | Orange |
Diaphaneity | Transparent |
Specific gravity | 6.98 - 7.4 |
Optical properties | Biaxial (-) |
Refractive index | nα = 2.060 nβ = 2.110 nγ = 2.150 |
Birefringence | .090 |
Pleochroism | Visible: X = b = pale yellow, Y = a = light red-orange, Z = c = dark red-orange |
2V angle | 70° |
Ultraviolet fluorescence | Yes |
Other characteristics | Radioactive |
References | [2][3] |
Curite is a lead uranium oxide mineral with formula: Pb3(UO2)8O8(OH)6·3(H2O). It is named after the physicists Marie and Pierre Curie, who are both known for their work on radioactivity. The type locality is the Shinkolobwe Mine.[2]
References[]
- ^ 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 Mindat with location data
- ^ Webmineral data
Categories:
- Lead minerals
- Oxide minerals
- Uranium(VI) minerals
- Orthorhombic minerals
- Minerals in space group 62
- Oxide mineral stubs