Wyartite

Wyartite CaU5+
(UO
2
)
2
(CO
3
)O
4
(OH)
·7H2O is a uranium bearing mineral named after Jean Wyart (1902–1992), mineralogist at the Sorbonne, Paris. It has greenish-black, black, or violet-black, translucent to opaque orthorhombic crystals.[3] A hardness of 3 - 4 Mohs. Its other names are Ianthinite (of Bignand), Wyartit and Wyartita. It belongs to the uranium carbonate group of minerals. It is found next to rutherfordine in Shinkolobwe, Shaba, Zaire.[3]

Wyartite
General
CategoryCarbonate minerals
Formula
(repeating unit)
CaU5+
(UO
2
)
2
(CO
3
)O
4
(OH)
·7H2O
Strunz classification5.EA.15
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDisphenoidal (222)
Space group: (222)
Space groupP212121
Identification
Colorblack, violet-black (fresh); yellowish brown, greenish brown (exposed)
Lustervitreous, sub-metallic, dull
Diaphaneitytransparent, translucent, opaque
Other characteristics Radioactive
References[1][2]

Determination of the structure of wyartite provided the first evidence for a pentavalent uranium mineral. Like all uranium minerals it is radioactive.

References


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