Hügelite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Hügelite
Friedrich von Hugel
Formula:
Pb2(UO2)3(AsO4)2O2 · 5H2O
Colour:
Brown, orange-yellow, yellowish brown
Lustre:
Adamantine, Greasy
Hardness:
2 - 3
Specific Gravity:
5.1
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
After Baron Friedrich von Hügel (1852–1925), Austrian-British theologian.
This page provides mineralogical data about Hügelite.
Name Encoding
ASCII-7:
Hugelite
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1942
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1942:8
Similar Names
| Augelite | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | Al2(PO4)(OH)3 |
Classification of Hügelite
Phosphuranylite sheet topology
The sheet topology exhibited by members of the phosphuranylite group.
IMA Classification of Hügelite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Pb2+2(U6+O2)3(As5+O4)2O2·5H2O
First published:
1914
8.EC.15
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
C : UO2:RO4 = 3:2
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
C : UO2:RO4 = 3:2
42.4.5.2
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
4 : (AB)5(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
4 : (AB)5(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
20.7.16
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
7 : Arsenates of U
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
7 : Arsenates 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Hüg | 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 Hügelite
Adamantine, Greasy
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Brown, orange-yellow, yellowish brown
Streak:
Light yellow
Hardness:
2 - 3 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
Good on {100}
Probable on {110}
Good on {100}
Probable on {110}
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
5.1 g/cm3 (Measured) 5.8 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Hügelite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.898 nγ = 1.915
2V:
Measured: 25°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.017
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:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v extreme
Pleochroism:
Strong
Comments:
X= yellow
Y= yellow with orange tint
Z= colorless to pale yellow
Y= yellow with orange tint
Z= colorless to pale yellow
Chemistry of Hügelite
Mindat Formula:
Pb2(UO2)3(AsO4)2O2 · 5H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Hügelite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/m
Setting:
P121/m1
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.0189(7) Å, b = 17.1374(10) Å, c = 8.1310(10) Å
β = 108.904(10)°
β = 108.904(10)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.41 : 1 : 0.474
Unit Cell V:
925.29 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Crystals prismatic [001], with {110}, {001} and {011}.
Twinning:
Twinning by reticular merohedry, mirror in [100]
Comment:
Cell parameters from Plášil et al. (2021)
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.73 Å | (100b) |
| 3.06 Å | (90) |
| 3.00 Å | (70) |
| 2.89 Å | (70) |
| 1.833 Å | (70) |
| 4.33 Å | (60b) |
| 2.70 Å | (60) |
Comments:
Michael mine, Germany.
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Hügelite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Aggregates of fine, tangled needles. Sometimes in radial arrangements.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Secondary mineral in hornstone breccia
Synonyms of Hügelite
Other Language Names for Hügelite
Relationship of Hügelite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Phosphuranylite Group:
| Althupite | AlTh(UO2)7(PO4)4(OH)5O2 · 15H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Bergenite | Ca2Ba4(UO2)9(PO4)6O6 · 16H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Dewindtite | H2Pb3(UO2)6O4(PO4)4 · 12H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmma |
| Dumontite | Pb2(UO2)3O2(PO4)2 · 5H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Françoisite-(Ce) | (Ce,Nd,Ca)(UO2)3(PO4)2O(OH) · 6H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Françoisite-(Nd) | (Nd,Ce,Sm)(UO2)3(PO4)2O(OH) · 6H2O | Mon. 2/m |
| Phosphuranylite | KCa(H3O)3(UO2)7(PO4)4O4 · 8H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmcm |
| Phuralumite | Al2[(UO2)3(PO4)2O(OH)](OH)3(H2O)9 | Mon. 2/m |
| Phurcalite | Ca2(UO2)3(PO4)2O2 · 7H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pbca |
| Upalite | Al(UO2)3(PO4)2O(OH) · 7H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Vanmeersscheite | U6+(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) |
| Yingjiangite | K2Ca(UO2)7(PO4)4(OH)6 · 6H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmcm |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 3 photos of Hügelite associated with Widenmannite | Pb2(OH)2[(UO2)(CO3)2] |
| 2 photos of Hügelite associated with Hallimondite | Pb2(UO2)(AsO4)2 · nH2O |
| 2 photos of Hügelite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 1 photo of Hügelite associated with Pyromorphite | Pb5(PO4)3Cl |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.EC.05 | Upalite | Al(UO2)3(PO4)2O(OH) · 7H2O |
| 8.EC.05 | Françoisite-(Nd) | (Nd,Ce,Sm)(UO2)3(PO4)2O(OH) · 6H2O |
| 8.EC.05 | Françoisite-(Ce) | (Ce,Nd,Ca)(UO2)3(PO4)2O(OH) · 6H2O |
| 8.EC.05 | Phuralumite | Al2[(UO2)3(PO4)2O(OH)](OH)3(H2O)9 |
| 8.EC.10 | Yingjiangite | K2Ca(UO2)7(PO4)4(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 8.EC.10 | Renardite | Pb(UO2)4(PO4)2(OH)4 · H2O |
| 8.EC.10 | Phosphuranylite | KCa(H3O)3(UO2)7(PO4)4O4 · 8H2O |
| 8.EC.10 | Arsenuranylite | Ca(UO2)4(AsO4)2(OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 8.EC.10 | 'Kivuite' | Th(UO2)4(PO3OH)2(OH)8 · 7H2O |
| 8.EC.10 | Dewindtite | H2Pb3(UO2)6O4(PO4)4 · 12H2O |
| 8.EC.15 | Dumontite | Pb2(UO2)3O2(PO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 8.EC.20 | Vanmeersscheite | U6+(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 8.EC.20 | Arsenovanmeersscheite | U6+(UO2)3(AsO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 8.EC.20 | Metavanmeersscheite | U6+(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.EC.25 | Althupite | AlTh(UO2)7(PO4)4(OH)5O2 · 15H2O |
| 8.EC.30 | Mundite | Al(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5.5H2O |
| 8.EC.35 | Phurcalite | Ca2(UO2)3(PO4)2O2 · 7H2O |
| 8.EC.40 | Bergenite | Ca2Ba4(UO2)9(PO4)6O6 · 16H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 43.9601% | 10,990,025 | 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
Other Information
Health Risks:
Radioactive
Internet Links for Hügelite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1942.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Hügelite
Reference List:
Jambor, John L., Burke, Ernst A. J. (1989) New Mineral Names. American Mineralogist, 74 (11-12) 1399-1404 see dumontite
Locock, A. J., Burns, P. C. (2003) The structure of hügelite, an arsenate of the phosphuranylite group, and its relationship to dumontite. Mineralogical Magazine, 67 (5) 1109-1120 doi:10.1180/0026461036750146
Burns, Peter C. (2005) U6+ minerals and inorganic compounds: insights into an expanded structural hierarchy of crystal structures. The Canadian Mineralogist, 43 (6) 1839-1894 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.43.6.1839
Plášil, Jakub, Petříček, Václav, Škácha, Pavel (2021) Crystal structure of the uranyl arsenate mineral hügelite, Pb2(UO2)3O2(AsO4)2(H2O)5, revisited: a correct unit cell, twinning and hydrogen bonding. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials, 77 (3) 378-383 doi:10.1107/s2052520621004091
Localities for Hügelite
Showing 13 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.
Czech Republic | |
| Plášil et al. (2021) |
France | |
| Uwe Kolitsch (to be published; SXRD analysis of specimens from several collectors) |
| Uwe Kolitsch (to be published; SXRD analysis of specimens from several collectors) | |
| Boisson J.-M. et al. (2023) |
Germany | |
| Locock et al. (2003) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +6 other references |
| Möhn et al. (12/21) |
| Slotta et al. (12/21) | |
| Aufschluss 69/ (7+8) +1 other reference |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
| Gröbner et al. (2007) +1 other reference |
Italy | |
| Campostrini et al. (2006) |
Russia | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data (2012) |
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Krunkelbach Valley Uranium deposit, Menzenschwand, St Blasien, Waldshut, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany