Fourmarierite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page kindly sponsored by Michael J Pabst
About Fourmarierite
Paul Fourmarier
Formula:
Pb(UO2)4O3(OH)4 · 4H2O
Colour:
Red-orange to golden red, carmine red, reddish brown to brown;
Lustre:
Adamantine, Sub-Adamantine
Hardness:
3 - 4
Specific Gravity:
6.046
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
After P. Fourmarier (December 25, 1877, La Hulpe, Belgium - January 20, 1970, Liège, Belgium), Professor of Geology, University of Liége, Belgium.
This page provides mineralogical data about Fourmarierite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1587
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1587:1
IMA Classification of Fourmarierite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Pb2+1-xO3-2x(U6+O2)4(OH)4+2x·4H2O
First published:
1924
Classification of Fourmarierite
4.GB.25
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
G : Uranyl Hydroxides
B : With additional cations (K, Ca, Ba, Pb, etc.); with mainly UO2(O,OH)5 pentagonal polyhedra
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
G : Uranyl Hydroxides
B : With additional cations (K, Ca, Ba, Pb, etc.); with mainly UO2(O,OH)5 pentagonal polyhedra
5.9.2.1
5 : OXIDES CONTAINING URANIUM OR THORIUM
9 : Miscellaneous
5 : OXIDES CONTAINING URANIUM OR THORIUM
9 : Miscellaneous
7.16.24
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
16 : Oxides of U
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
16 : Oxides of U
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Fmr | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Fourmarierite
Adamantine, Sub-Adamantine
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Red-orange to golden red, carmine red, reddish brown to brown;
Hardness:
3 - 4 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {001} perfect; {100} imperfect.
On {001} perfect; {100} imperfect.
Density:
6.046 g/cm3 (Measured) 5.98 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Fourmarierite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.85 - 1.865 nβ = 1.885 - 1.92 nγ = 1.890 - 1.97
2V:
Measured: 50° to 55°, Calculated: 40° to 84°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.040 - 0.105
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
Surface Relief:
Very High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised
light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive
index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral
colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized biaxial acute bisectrix (Bxa) interference figure
- the conoscopic view for a grain cut perpendicular to the acute bisectrix, using
this mineral's 2V. The two small white dots mark the melatopes - the points
where the two optic axes emerge - and are shown only when they fall within the
field of view. The coloured bands are isochromatics, and the dark bands are
isogyres.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Dispersion:
r > v strong
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
Shades of yellow and orange
X = c = colourless
Y = b = pale yellow
Z = a = yellow
X = c = colourless
Y = b = pale yellow
Z = a = yellow
Chemistry of Fourmarierite
Mindat Formula:
Pb(UO2)4O3(OH)4 · 4H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Fourmarierite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mm2 - Pyramidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 13.986(4) Å, b = 16.400(5) Å, c = 14.293(9) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.853 : 1 : 0.872
Unit Cell V:
3,278.39 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
8
Morphology:
Tabular {001} and usually elongated [010]. {001} striated [010].
Comment:
Space Group: Bb21m
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0005682 | Fourmarierite | Li Y, Burns P C (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variability in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite The Canadian Mineralogist 38 737-749 |  | 2000 | Shaba, Democratic Republic of Congo | 0 | 293 |
| 0005681 | Fourmarierite | Li Y, Burns P C (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variability in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite The Canadian Mineralogist 38 737-749 | | 2000 | Shaba, Democratic Republic of Congo | 0 | 293 |
| 0005679 | Fourmarierite | Li Y, Burns P C (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variability in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite The Canadian Mineralogist 38 737-749 | | 2000 | Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of Congo | 0 | 293 |
| 0005678 | Fourmarierite | Li Y, Burns P C (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variability in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite The Canadian Mineralogist 38 737-749 | | 2000 | Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of Congo | 0 | 293 |
| 0005677 | Fourmarierite | Li Y, Burns P C (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variability in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite The Canadian Mineralogist 38 737-749 | | 2000 | Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of Congo | 0 | 293 |
| 0005676 | Fourmarierite | Li Y, Burns P C (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variability in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite The Canadian Mineralogist 38 737-749 | | 2000 | Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of Congo | 0 | 293 |
| 0005675 | Fourmarierite | Li Y, Burns P C (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variability in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite The Canadian Mineralogist 38 737-749 | | 2000 | Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of Congo | 0 | 293 |
| 0005674 | Fourmarierite | Li Y, Burns P C (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variability in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite The Canadian Mineralogist 38 737-749 | | 2000 | Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of Congo | 0 | 293 |
| 0005673 | Fourmarierite | Li Y, Burns P C (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variability in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite The Canadian Mineralogist 38 737-749 | | 2000 | Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of Congo | 0 | 293 |
| 0005672 | Fourmarierite | Li Y, Burns P C (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variability in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite The Canadian Mineralogist 38 737-749 | | 2000 | Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of Congo | 0 | 293 |
| 0005671 | Fourmarierite | Li Y, Burns P C (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variability in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite The Canadian Mineralogist 38 737-749 | | 2000 | Shinkolobwe, Democratic Republic of Congo | 0 | 293 |
| 0005683 | Fourmarierite | Li Y, Burns P C (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variability in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite The Canadian Mineralogist 38 737-749 | | 2000 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0005680 | Fourmarierite | Li Y, Burns P C (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variability in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite The Canadian Mineralogist 38 737-749 | | 2000 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.562 Å | (100) |
| 3.169 Å | (100) |
| 7.12 Å | (80) |
| 3.523 Å | (50) |
| 2.512 Å | (50) |
| 1.975 Å | (50) |
| 2.739 Å | (20) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Near-surface Processes | |
| 27 : Radioactive decay; auto-oxidation | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47g : [Halogen-bearing surface weathering minerals] | |
| 47h : [Near-surface oxidized, dehydrated minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Fourmarierite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
1) Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, 124-181.
2) Laboratory of Mineralogy, University of Liège, 16871 and 16872.
2) Laboratory of Mineralogy, University of Liège, 16871 and 16872.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidized zone of a uranium deposit
Other Language Names for Fourmarierite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 65 photos of Fourmarierite associated with Uranophane | Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 48 photos of Fourmarierite associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
| 20 photos of Fourmarierite associated with Studtite | [(UO2)(O2)(H2O)2] · H2O |
| 20 photos of Fourmarierite associated with Clarkeite | (Na,Ca,Pb)(UO2)O(OH) · 0-1H2O |
| 19 photos of Fourmarierite associated with Rutherfordine | (UO2)CO3 |
| 18 photos of Fourmarierite associated with Becquerelite | Ca(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 8H2O |
| 14 photos of Fourmarierite associated with Kasolite | Pb(UO2)(SiO4) · H2O |
| 10 photos of Fourmarierite associated with Muscovite | KAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2 |
| 5 photos of Fourmarierite associated with Wölsendorfite | Pb7(UO2)14O19(OH)4 · 12H2O |
| 5 photos of Fourmarierite associated with Vandendriesscheite | PbU7O22 · 12H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.GB.05 | Rameauite | K2Ca(UO2)6O6(OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 4.GB.05 | Agrinierite | K2(Ca,Sr)[(UO2)3O3(OH)2]2 · 5H2O |
| 4.GB.05 | Compreignacite | K2(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 7H2O |
| 4.GB.10 | Becquerelite | Ca(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 8H2O |
| 4.GB.10 | Billietite | Ba(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 4-8H2O |
| 4.GB.10 | Protasite | Ba(UO2)3O3(OH)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.15 | Richetite | (Fe3+,Mg)Pb 8.6(UO2)36O36(OH)24 · 41H2O |
| 4.GB.20 | Calciouranoite | (Ca,Ba,Pb)U2O7 · 5H2O |
| 4.GB.20 | Bauranoite | Ba(UO2)2(OH)6 · 1-2H2O |
| 4.GB.20 | Metacalciouranoite | (Ca,Ba,Pb,K2)U2O7 · 2H2O |
| 4.GB.30 | Wölsendorfite | Pb7(UO2)14O19(OH)4 · 12H2O |
| 4.GB.35 | Masuyite | Pb(UO2)3O3(OH)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.40 | Vandendriesscheite | PbU7O22 · 12H2O |
| 4.GB.40 | Metavandendriesscheite | PbU7O22 · nH2O n < 12 |
| 4.GB.45 | Vandenbrandeite | Cu(UO2)(OH)4 |
| 4.GB.50 | Sayrite | Pb2(UO2)5O6(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 4.GB.55 | Curite | Pb3(H2O)2[(UO2)4O4(OH)3]2 |
| 4.GB.60 | Iriginite | (UO2)Mo2O7 · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.65 | Uranosphaerite | Bi(UO2)O2(OH) |
| 4.GB.70 | Holfertite | CaxU6+2-xTi(O8-xOH4x) · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.75 | Carlosbarbosaite | (UO2)2Nb2O6(OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 4.GB.80 | Gauthierite | KPb[(UO2)7O5(OH)7] · 8H2O |
| 4.GB.85 | Kroupaite | KPb0.5[(UO2)8O4(OH)10] · 10H2O |
| 4.GB.90 | Leesite | K(H2O)2[(UO2)4O2(OH)5] · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.95 | Shinkolobweite | Pb1.333[U5+O(OH)(UO2)5O4.67(OH)5.33](H2O)5 |
| 4.GB.95 | Nollmotzite | Mg[U5+(U6+O2)2O4F3] · 4H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 64.5327% | 16,133,175 | α, β, γ |
| Thorium (Th) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Potassium (K) | 0.0000% | 0 | β, γ |
For comparison:
- Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
- Granite: 1,000–3,000 Bq/kg
- EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg
Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.
Interactive Simulator:
Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!
Activity: –
| Distance | Dose rate | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | ||
| 10 cm | ||
| 1 m |
The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).
D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield
Fluorescence of Fourmarierite
Not fluorescent.
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Blackens when heated in air but does not fuse.
Notes:
Easily soluble in acids to a yellow solution.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Fourmarierite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1587.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Fourmarierite
Reference List:
Schoep, Alfred (1924) Sur la composition chimique de la fourmariérite. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 47 (5) 157-162 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1924.3945
Billiet, Valère (1926) Détermination des indices de réfraction de la becquerélite, de la curite, de la kasolite, de la fourmariérite, de la parsonsite, de la dumontite, et de l'ianthinite. Bulletin de la Société française de Minéralogie, 49 (3). 136-140 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1926.4309
Frondel, Clifford (1958) Systematic mineralogy of uranium and thorium. Bulletin 1064. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b1064 pp.208-211
Christ, C. L., Clark, J. R. (1960) Crystal chemical studies of some uranyl oxide hydrates. American Mineralogist, 45 (9-10) 1026-1061
Piret, Paul (1985) Structure cristalline de la fourmariérite, Pb(UO2)4O3(OH)4·4H2O. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 108 (5) 659-665 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1985.7882
Li, Y., Burns, P. C. (2000) Investigations of crystal-chemical variation in lead uranyl oxide hydrates. II. Fourmarierite. The Canadian Mineralogist, 38 (3) 737-749 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.38.3.737
Jambor, John L., Kovalenker, Vladimir A., Roberts, Andrew C. (2001) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 86 (3). 376-379
Localities for Fourmarierite
Showing 81 localities.
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia | |
| Waite & Payne (1993) |
Austria | |
| Strasser (1989) |
Brazil | |
| Pires et al. (2014) |
| Bermanec et al. (2011) +1 other reference |
| Scholz et al. (2014) | |
Canada | |
| Traill (1983) |
| SASSANO et al. (1987) |
| Rich et al. (1977) |
China | |
| Long Lu et al. (2006) |
| Wang (1992) |
Czech Republic | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) +2 other references |
| Plášil J. et al. (2008) | |
| Desor (04/2022) +1 other reference |
| |
| Sejkora (1994) |
DR Congo (TL) | |
| Buttgenbach (1924) +1 other reference |
| erronerously reported |
France | |
| - (1998) |
| Fred Bonnet Collection |
| Fred Bonnet Collection |
Gabon | |
| Jensen et al. (2002) |
| Janusz Janeczek (1999) | |
Germany | |
| Markl et al. (2011) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Dill et al. (2010) | |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Lapis 30 (7/8) | |
| René (2018) |
| Gröbner et al. (2007) +1 other reference |
Ghana | |
| Addae et al. (2026) |
Hungary | |
| GEODA 2004 |
India | |
| American Mineralogist: 41: 127-133 |
| Former Richard V. Gaines collection |
Italy | |
| Vignola P. et al. (2011) |
Norway | |
| Åmli (1969) |
| Åmli (1975) |
| Neumann (1985) | |
| Sverdrup (1959) |
| Neumann (1985) +1 other reference |
| Neumann (1985) |
| Husdal (2019) |
| Husdal (2023) |
| Neumann (1985) |
| Larsen. A.O. & Åsheim (2008) |
Poland | |
| Eligiusz Szełęg collection (SEM/EDS identification) +1 other reference |
| pl.wikipedia.org (2006) | |
Russia | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data (2012) |
Slovakia | |
| Števko M. (2022) |
Switzerland | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Stalder et al. (1998) +1 other reference |
Ukraine | |
| Dudar et al. (2018) |
USA | |
| Frondel (1956) +4 other references |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Schooner (circa 1980s) |
| King et al. (1994) |
| King et al. (1994) +1 other reference |
| Frondel (1956) +1 other reference |
| Rocks & Minerals 80:4 pp234-241 +1 other reference |
| Jensen (1978) |
| Robinson et al. (2007) | |
| Carolina Geoloogical Society +1 other reference |
| USGS Trace Element Investigation Report ... +1 other reference | |
| Warner et al. (2009) |
| Smith et al. (2000) |
| Rocks & Minerals: 60: 117-118. | |
| USGS Bull 1063F | |
| USGS Bull 1063F |
| Rocks & Min.:10:147 & 60:112 |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Thompson et al. (1955) +1 other reference | |
| Page et al. (1956) +3 other references |
Quick NavTopAbout FourmarieriteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Shinkolobwe Mine, Shinkolobwe, Kambove Territory, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo