Johannite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Johannite
Archduke John of Austria
Formula:
Cu(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O
Colour:
Emerald-green, apple-green
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2 - 2½
Specific Gravity:
3.32
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
After Archduke Johann (1782-1859) of Austria, founder of the Styrian Landesmuseum, Graz.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2102
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2102:5
IMA Classification of Johannite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Cu2+(U6+O2)2(S6+O4)2(OH)2·8H2O
Type description reference:
Classification of Johannite
7.EB.05
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
E : Uranyl sulfates
B : With medium-sized cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
E : Uranyl sulfates
B : With medium-sized cations
31.8.2.1
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
8 : (AB)3(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
8 : (AB)3(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
25.8.12
25 : Sulphates
8 : Sulphates of Sb, V, Cr and U
25 : Sulphates
8 : Sulphates of Sb, V, Cr and 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Jh | 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 Johannite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Emerald-green, apple-green
Streak:
Pale green
Hardness:
2 - 2½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
On {100} good.
On {100} good.
Density:
3.32 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.44 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Johannite
Type:
Biaxial (+/-)
RI values:
nα = 1.572 - 1.577 nβ = 1.592 - 1.597 nγ = 1.612 - 1.616
2V:
Measured: 90° , Calculated: 86° to 88°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.039 - 0.040
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 (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:
relatively strong
Pleochroism:
Strong
Comments:
X = Colourless
Y = Light yellow
Z = Greenish or canary-yellow
Y = Light yellow
Z = Greenish or canary-yellow
Chemistry of Johannite
Mindat Formula:
Cu(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Johannite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 16.54 Å, b = 18.02 Å, c = 6.84 Å
α = 90°, β = 90.63°, γ = 110.62°
α = 90°, β = 90.63°, γ = 110.62°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.918 : 1 : 0.38
Unit Cell V:
1,907.93 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
1
Morphology:
Crystals prismatic [001] and thick tabular {100}. Subparallel or drusy aggregates; coatings; small spheroidal aggregates of lath-like fibers.
Twinning:
Twin axis [001], composition plane {010} or close to it. Both simple and lamellar, common.
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Show
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
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Display Options
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View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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Rotation
Stop | Start
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Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0015685 | Johannite | Mereiter K (1982) Die kristallstruktur des johannits, Cu(UO2)2(OH)2(SO4)2*8H2O Tschermaks Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen 30 47-57 | 1982 | Joachimsthal, Czech Republic | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.73 Å | (10) |
| 6.16 Å | (9) |
| 4.38 Å | (6) |
| 3.87 Å | (7) |
| 3.41 Å | (8) |
| 3.13 Å | (7) |
| 3.04 Å | (7) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals |
Type Occurrence of Johannite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Natural History Museum, Vienna, Austria, A.a.186.
Other Language Names for Johannite
Dutch:Johanniet
French:Sulfate vert d'urane
German:Johannit
Uranvitriol
Uranvitriol
Russian:Иоганнит
Spanish:Johannita
Varieties of Johannite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 28 photos of Johannite associated with Zippeite | K3(UO2)4(SO4)2O3(OH) · 3H2O |
| 25 photos of Johannite associated with Chalcanthite | CuSO4 · 5H2O |
| 16 photos of Johannite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 8 photos of Johannite associated with Andersonite | Na2Ca(UO2)(CO3)3 · 5.33H2O |
| 8 photos of Johannite associated with Natrozippeite | Na5(UO2)8(SO4)4O5(OH)3 · 12H2O |
| 6 photos of Johannite associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
| 5 photos of Johannite associated with Uranopilite | (UO2)6(SO4)O2(OH)6 · 14H2O |
| 5 photos of Johannite associated with Magnesiozippeite | Mg(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O |
| 3 photos of Johannite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 3 photos of Johannite associated with Devilline | CaCu4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.EB. | Bobcookite | NaAl(UO2)2(SO4)4 · 18H2O |
| 7.EB. | Zincorietveldite | Zn(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)5 |
| 7.EB. | Chenowethite | Mg(H2O)6[(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2] · 5H2O |
| 7.EB.I | Shinarumpite | [Co(H2O)6][(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)] · 4H2O |
| 7.EB. | Alwilkinsite-(Y) | Y(UO2)3(SO4)2O(OH)3(H2O)7 · 7H2O |
| 7.EB. | Gurzhiite | Al(UO2)(SO4)2F · 10H2O |
| 7.EB.05 | Meitnerite | (NH4)(UO2)(SO4)(OH) · 2H2O |
| 7.EB.10 | Rietveldite | Fe(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)5 |
| 7.EB.10 | Deliensite | Fe[(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2](H2O)7 |
| 7.EB.15 | Strassmannite | Al(UO2)(SO4)2F · 16H2O |
| 7.EB.15 | Leydetite | Fe(UO2)(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 7.EB.15 | Magnesioleydetite | Mg(UO2)(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 7.EB.20 | Greenlizardite | (NH4)Na(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.EB.25 | Markcooperite | Pb2(UO2)(TeO6) |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 48.8834% | 12,220,850 | 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
Notes:
Decomposed by water. Soluble in acids.
Radioactive
Radioactive
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 Johannite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2102.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 Johannite
Reference List:
Hurlbut, Cornelius S. (1950) Studies on uranium minerals (IV): Johannite. American Mineralogist, 35 (7-8) 531-535
Mereiter, K. (1982) Die Kristallstruktur des Johannits, Cu(UO2)2(OH)2(SO4)2·8H2O. TMPM Tschermaks Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen, 30 (1) 47-57 doi:10.1007/bf01082425
Dunn, P. J.; Cabri, L. J.; Clark, A. M.; Fleischer, M. (1983) New mineral names. American Mineralogist, 68 (7-8). 849-852 p.851
Ondruš, P., Veselovský, F., Skála, R., Cisařová, I., Hloušek, J., Frýda, J., Vavřín, I., Čejka, J., Gabašová, A. (1997) New naturally occurring phases of secondary origin from Jáchymov (Joachimsthal) Journal of the Czech Geological Society, 42 (4) 77-108
Ondruš, P., Veselovský, F., Gabašová, A., Hloušek, J., Šrein, V. (2003) Supplement to secondary and rock-forming minerals of the Jáchymov ore district. Journal of the Czech Geological Society, 48 (3-4) 149-155
Localities for Johannite
Showing 91 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.
Argentina | |
| Brodtkorb et al. (3) |
| De Brodtkorb (2009) |
Australia | |
| D.A.Berkman (1968) |
| Private Collection |
Canada | |
| Traill (1983) |
China | |
| |
| |
Czech Republic | |
| Desor (09/2025) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Möhn et al. (12/2021) | |
| Plášil et al. (2012) +1 other reference |
| Petr Fuchs | |
| McCollam (2002) |
| Tschechien & Slowakei |
France | |
| J.-J. Périchaud: "Où trouver les minéraux d'Auvergne" et al. (Clermont-Ferrand) +1 other reference |
| Chollet Pascal Collection |
| - (1998) |
| Deliens et al. (2004) |
| Henriot et al. (1998) |
Gabon | |
| Korbel et al. (1999) |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Dill et al. (2010) | |
| Witzke (2023) |
| Desor (05/2020) |
| Wittern (2001) | |
| Wittern (2001) |
| Witzke (2024) |
| Witzke et al. (1998) |
Greece | |
| Wendel (2000) |
| |
Hungary | |
| Szakáll Sándor et al. (2016) +1 other reference |
Italy | |
| Campostrini et al. (2006) |
| Campostrini et al. (2005) |
| Domenico Saccardo et al. (2019) +1 other reference |
Morocco | |
| Favreau (2026) |
Slovenia | |
| Dolenec et al. (1979) +1 other reference |
Spain | |
| www.foro-minerales.com (2020) |
| Castillo-Oliver et al. (2019) |
Switzerland | |
| Brugger et al. (2003) +1 other reference |
Tajikistan | |
| Chernikov et al. (1997) |
| Chernikov et al. (1997) |
UK | |
| De Bondt (n.d.) |
| |
| Collins (1871) +1 other reference | |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
USA | |
| Grant et al. (2005) |
| Van Gosen et al. (2025) |
| Axelrod et al. (1951) +2 other references |
| Saul et al. (1970) +2 other references |
| [var: Gilpinite] Ford +2 other references |
| Korbel et al. (1999) | |
| 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) +1 other reference | |
| Schooner (1958) |
| Schooner (1958) | |
| NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology ... +1 other reference |
| McCollam (2002) |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Bullock (1981) | |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Bullock (1981) |
| USGS: Geological Survey Circular 217 |
| USGS: Geological Survey Circular 217 | |
| Collected by and in the collections of ... +2 other references |
| Collected and analyzed by Joy Desor. | |
| Hålenius et al. (2015) +2 other references | |
| USGS: Geological Survey Circular 217 | |
| Travis Olds collection +1 other reference | |
| Bullock (1981) | |
| Bullock (1981) | |
| USGS: Geological Survey Circular 217 | |
| Plášil et al. (2013) |
| USGS: Geological Survey Circular 217 | |
| Thorne (n.d.) | |
| USGS: Geological Survey Circular 217 | |
| USGS TEI #514 +4 other references | |
| USGS: Geological Survey Circular 217 | |
| USGS: Geological Survey Circular 217 |
| USGS: Geological Survey Circular 217 | |
| Bullock (1981) |
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Krunkelbach Valley Uranium deposit, Menzenschwand, St Blasien, Waldshut, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany