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Metauranospinite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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06912580017271925156043.jpg
Metauranospinite, etc.

Krunkelbach Valley Uranium deposit, Menzenschwand, St Blasien, Waldshut, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
06822950017271925209421.jpg
Metauranospinite

Oktyabr'skoe Mo-U Deposit, Strel'tsovskoe Mo-U ore field, Krasnokamensk, Krasnokamensky District, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia
05646380017271925244062.jpg
Metauranospinite

St Johannes Mine, Wolkenstein, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony, Germany
06912580017271925156043.jpg
Metauranospinite, etc.

Krunkelbach Valley Uranium deposit, Menzenschwand, St Blasien, Waldshut, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
06822950017271925209421.jpg
Metauranospinite

Oktyabr'skoe Mo-U Deposit, Strel'tsovskoe Mo-U ore field, Krasnokamensk, Krasnokamensky District, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia
05646380017271925244062.jpg
Metauranospinite

St Johannes Mine, Wolkenstein, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony, Germany
06912580017271925156043.jpg
Metauranospinite, etc.

Krunkelbach Valley Uranium deposit, Menzenschwand, St Blasien, Waldshut, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
06822950017271925209421.jpg
Metauranospinite

Oktyabr'skoe Mo-U Deposit, Strel'tsovskoe Mo-U ore field, Krasnokamensk, Krasnokamensky District, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia
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About MetauranospiniteHide

Formula:
Ca(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O
Colour:
Greenish yellow, yellowish green
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy, Pearly, Dull
Hardness:
2 - 3
Specific Gravity:
3.94
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Name:
Named in 1904 by Paul Gaubert for the dehydration relationship to uranocircite using synthetic material. Earliest natural report is unknown. Metauranospinite does not appear in Frondel (1958) Systematic Mineralogy of Uranium and Thorium. The original spelling was meta-uranospinite; the hyphen was removed in a renaming by the IMA in 2007 (Burke 2008).
Isostructural with:
Meta-autunite, Metatorbernite
Meta-autunite Group.
Dehydration product of uranospinite.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
2667
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2667:9

Classification of MetauranospiniteHide

00572780017683530272384.jpg
The autunite-type sheet

The autunite-type sheet found in members of the meta-autunite group and shared with members of the autunite group.

IMA Classification of MetauranospiniteHide

IMA status:
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA status notes:
Renamed by the IMA
IMA Formula:
Ca(U6+O2)2(As5+O4)2·8H2O
First published:
1958
Strunz-mindat (2026):
8.EB.10

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
B : UO2:RO4 = 1:1
Dana 8th ed.:
40.2a.2.2

40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
Hey's CIM Ref.:
20.7.9

20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
7 : Arsenates of U

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
MuspIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of MetauranospiniteHide

Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy, Pearly, Dull
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Greenish yellow, yellowish green
Streak:
Pale yellow
Hardness:
2 - 3 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Very brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
{001), also good on (010)
Density:
3.94 g/cm3 (Measured)    3.95 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of MetauranospiniteHide

Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.591 - 1.610 nβ = 1.619 - 1.623 nγ = 1.621 - 1.623
2V:
Calculated: 28°
Birefringence:
0.013
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.013 - 0.030
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.

Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v distinct
Optical Extinction:
X = c
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = colorless, Y=Z = pale canary yellow
Comments:
Birefringence may be as high as 0.030

Chemistry of MetauranospiniteHide

Mindat Formula:
Ca(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
U47.506 %
O31.932 %
As14.953 %
Ca3.999 %
H1.609 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
Elements listed:
As, Ca, H, O, U - search for minerals with similar chemistry

Crystallography of MetauranospiniteHide

Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Class (H-M):
4/m - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
P42/n
Setting:
P42/n
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.14 Å, c = 17.00 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 2.381
Unit Cell V:
866.65 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Small square to rhombic tabular crystals.
Comment:
P42/n

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
8.65 Å(10)
5.53 Å(8)
5.08 Å(4)
4.36 Å(4b)
3.57 Å(10)
3.31 Å(9)
3.00 Å(5)
Comments:
See also ICDD 36-407, 17-759, 25-468

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals]
47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates]
47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals]
Geological Setting:
Uranium-bearing fluorite veins, Sedimentary uranium deposits. Late fractures in granite pegmatite

Type Occurrence of MetauranospiniteHide

Synonyms of MetauranospiniteHide

Other Language Names for MetauranospiniteHide

Relationship of Metauranospinite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Meta-autunite Group
Other Members of Meta-autunite Group:
AbernathyiteK(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/ncc
ArsenosabugaliteH0.5Al0.5(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
Chernikovite(H3O)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
LehneriteMn2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
Meta-ankoleiteK2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
Meta-autuniteCa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m)
MetaheinrichiteBa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2 : P21
MetakahleriteFe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
MetakirchheimeriteCo(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
MetalodèviteZn(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OTet. 4/m : P42/m
MetanatroautuniteNa(UO2)(PO4)(H2O)3Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/ncc
MetanováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
MetarauchiteNi(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
MetasaléeiteMg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O
MetatorberniteCu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
MetauranocirciteBa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 7H2OMon. 2 : P21
MetazeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
NatrouranospiniteNa2(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 5H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
Trögerite(H3O)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
Uramarsite(NH4)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/mmm
Uramphite(NH4)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
4 photos of Metauranospinite associated with UranospiniteCa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

8.EB.Meta-autunite GroupA1-2(UO2)2(TO4)2 · 5-10H2O
8.EB.05RauchiteNi(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.05UranocirciteBa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2OTet.
8.EB.05UranospiniteCa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.05ZeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
8.EB.05MetarauchiteNi(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.05HeinrichiteBa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.EB.05KahleriteFe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
8.EB.05HydronováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.05TorberniteCu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
8.EB.05NováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m
8.EB.05AutuniteCa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10-12H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma
8.EB.05SaléeiteMg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m
8.EB.05Xiangjiangite(Fe3+,Al)(UO2)4(PO4)2(SO4)2(OH) · 22H2OTet.
8.EB.10BassetiteFe2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m
8.EB.10LehneriteMn2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
8.EB.10Meta-autuniteCa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m)
8.EB.10MetasaléeiteMg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O
8.EB.10MetauranocirciteBa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 7H2OMon. 2 : P21
8.EB.10MetaheinrichiteBa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2 : P21
8.EB.10MetakahleriteFe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.10MetakirchheimeriteCo(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.10MetanováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
8.EB.10MetanatroautuniteNa(UO2)(PO4)(H2O)3Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/ncc
8.EB.10MetatorberniteCu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
8.EB.10MetazeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
8.EB.10PrzhevalskitePb2(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 3H2OTet.
8.EB.10'Pseudo-autunite'(H3O)4Ca2(UO2)2(PO4)4 · 5H2OOrth.
8.EB.15AbernathyiteK(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/ncc
8.EB.15Uramphite(NH4)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Meta-ankoleiteK2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15NatrouranospiniteNa2(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 5H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Trögerite(H3O)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Chernikovite(H3O)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Uramarsite(NH4)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/mmm
8.EB.20ChistyakovaiteAl(UO2)2(AsO4)2(F,OH) · 6.5H2OMon.
8.EB.20ThreadgolditeAl(UO2)2(PO4)2(OH) · 8H2OMon.
8.EB.25Uranospathite(Al,◻)(UO2)2(PO4)2F · 20(H2O,F)Orth. mm2 : Pnn2
8.EB.25ArsenuranospathiteAl(UO2)2(AsO4)2F · 20H2OOrth. mm2 : Pnn2
8.EB.30Vochtenite(Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(UO2)4(PO4)4(OH) · 12-13H2OMon.
8.EB.35CoconinoiteFe3+2Al2(UO2)2(PO4)4(SO4)(OH)2 · 20H2OMon.
8.EB.40RanunculiteHAl(UO2)(PO4)(OH)3 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.EB.45TrianguliteAl3(UO2)4(PO4)4(OH)5 · 5H2OTric.
8.EB.50FurongiteAl13(UO2)7(PO4)13(OH)14 · 58H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.55ArsenosabugaliteH0.5Al0.5(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.55SabugaliteHAl(UO2)4(PO4)4 · 16H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.EB.60Horákite(Bi7O7OH)[(UO2)4(PO4)2(AsO4)2(OH)2] · 3.5H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b

RadioactivityHide

Radioactivity:
Element % Content Activity (Bq/kg) Radiation Type
Uranium (U) 47.5063% 11,876,575 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: –

DistanceDose rateRisk
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 MetauranospiniteHide

In UV light:
Fluorescent yellow green in SW and LW UV

Other InformationHide

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 MetauranospiniteHide

References for MetauranospiniteHide

Localities for MetauranospiniteHide

Showing 20 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
Hide all sections | Show all sections

Locality ListHide

- 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Czech Republic
 
  • Karlovy Vary Region
    • Karlovy Vary District
Hloušek et al. (2002)
  • Olomouc Region
    • Jeseník District
      • Javorník
        • Zálesí
Sejkora (1994)
France
 
  • Occitanie
    • Hérault
      • Lodève
        • Le Puech
Dal Bo et al. (2018)
Germany (TL)
 
  • Baden-Württemberg
    • Freiburg Region
      • Rottweil
        • Schenkenzell
          • Wittichen
            • Böckelsbach valley
Walenta (1958)
      • Waldshut
        • St Blasien
          • Menzenschwand
Möhn et al. (11/2020)
  • Bavaria
    • Lower Franconia
      • Aschaffenburg District
        • Sailauf
          • Hartkoppe
Lorenz (2004)
  • Rhineland-Palatinate
    • Donnersbergkreis
      • Winnweiler
        • Imsbach
Noll (1984)
Wittern (2001)
        • Winnweiler
Weiß (1990)
  • Saxony
    • Erzgebirgskreis
      • Annaberg-Buchholz
        • Kleinrückerswalde
SEM-EDS and XRD by Joy Desor and ...
      • Marienberg
        • Lauta
Hajek (2010)
      • Wolkenstein
Neschen (n.d.)
Daniel Lunau collection
Poland
 
  • Lower Silesian Voivodeship
    • Lubin County
Kucha (2021)
    • Polkowice County
      • Gmina Polkowice
Kucha (2021)
Russia
 
  • Zabaykalsky Krai
    • Krasnokamensky District
      • Krasnokamensk
Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) +1 other reference
South Africa
 
  • Western Cape
    • Central Karoo District Municipality
      • Beaufort West Local Municipality
Cairncross et al. (1995)
USA
 
  • Colorado
    • San Juan County
      • Elk Park
Rocks & Min.:65:59.
  • Maine
    • Oxford County
      • Paris
King and Foord
  • New Jersey
    • Sussex County
      • Ogdensburg
        • Sterling Hill
Dal Bo et al. (2018)
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