Metalodèvite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Metalodèvite
Lodève, France
Formula:
Zn(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O
Colour:
Olive green, pale yellow
Lustre:
Waxy, Pearly
Hardness:
2 - 3
Specific Gravity:
4.01 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1972 by Henri Agrinier, Francis Chantret, Jacques Geffroy, Bernard Héry, Bernard Bachet, and Hélène Vachey for the type locality at Lodève, Herault, France and "meta" indicating its association with the meta-autunite group. The mineral has been previously named including a hyphen (meta-lodèvite) and/or without the diacritic. The current spelling was given by Burke (2008).
Type Locality:
Name Encoding
ASCII-7:
Metalodevite
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2679
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2679:2
Classification of Metalodèvite
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 Metalodèvite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Zn2+(U6+O2)2(As5+O4)2·10H2O
First published:
1972
Type description reference:
8.ED.10
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
D : Unclassified
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
D : Unclassified
40.2a.18.1
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
20.7.13
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mldv | 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 Metalodèvite
Waxy, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Olive green, pale yellow
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 - 3 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
{001}
{001}
Fracture:
Micaceous
Density:
4.01 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Metalodèvite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.615 nβ = 1.635 nγ = 1.638
2V:
Measured: 27° to 37°
Birefringence:
0.023
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.023
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:
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
Chemistry of Metalodèvite
Mindat Formula:
Zn(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Metalodèvite
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Class (H-M):
4/m - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
P42/m
Setting:
P42/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.16 Å, c = 17.20 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 2.402
Unit Cell V:
881.77 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Found as square to rectangular platy crystals. Platy on [001].
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 8.66 Å | (70) |
| 5.09 Å | (40) |
| 4.92 Å | (10) |
| 4.33 Å | (5) |
| 3.59 Å | (100) |
| 3.50 Å | (30) |
| 2.98 Å | (60) |
| 2.58 Å | (15) |
| 2.545 Å | (30) |
| 2.288 Å | (30) |
| 2.240 Å | (5) |
| 2.190 Å | (5) |
| 2.170 Å | (25) |
| 1.790 Å | (20) |
| 1.690 Å | (10) |
| 1.610 Å | (15) |
Comments:
ICDD 25-1239
Type Occurrence of Metalodèvite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Platy crystals less than 0.2 mm.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Atomic Energy Commission, Fontenay-aux-Roses; National School of Mines, Paris, France.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 165403.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 165403.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Metalodèvite
Other Language Names for Metalodèvite
Relationship of Metalodèvite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Meta-autunite Group:
| Abernathyite | K(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2O | Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/ncc |
| Arsenosabugalite | H0.5Al0.5(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Chernikovite | (H3O)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2O | Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm |
| Lehnerite | Mn2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O | Mon. 2/m |
| Meta-ankoleite | K2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2O | Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm |
| Meta-autunite | Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2O | Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) |
| Metaheinrichite | Ba(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O | Mon. 2 : P21 |
| Metakahlerite | Fe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Metakirchheimerite | Co(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Metanatroautunite | Na(UO2)(PO4)(H2O)3 | Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/ncc |
| Metanováčekite | Mg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O | Tet. 4/m : P4/n |
| Metarauchite | Ni(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Metasaléeite | Mg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O | |
| Metatorbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O | Tet. 4/m : P4/n |
| Metauranocircite | Ba(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 7H2O | Mon. 2 : P21 |
| Metauranospinite | Ca(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O | Tet. 4/m : P42/n |
| Metazeunerite | Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O | Tet. 4/m : P42/n |
| Natrouranospinite | Na2(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 5H2O | Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm |
| Trögerite | (H3O)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2O | Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm |
| Uramarsite | (NH4)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2O | Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/mmm |
| Uramphite | (NH4)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2O | Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 6 photos of Metalodèvite associated with Uranophane | Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 5 photos of Metalodèvite associated with Uranopilite | (UO2)6(SO4)O2(OH)6 · 14H2O |
| 2 photos of Metalodèvite associated with Kahlerite | Fe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 2 photos of Metalodèvite associated with Parauranophane | Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 2 photos of Metalodèvite associated with Zippeite | K3(UO2)4(SO4)2O3(OH) · 3H2O |
| 2 photos of Metalodèvite associated with Nováčekite | Mg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 2 photos of Metalodèvite associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
| 2 photos of Metalodèvite associated with 'Bitumen' | |
| 1 photo of Metalodèvite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Metalodèvite associated with Abernathyite | K(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.ED.05 | Moreauite | Al3(UO2)(PO4)3(OH)2 · 13H2O |
| 8.ED.10 | Šreinite | Pb(BiO)3(UO2)4(PO4)2(OH)7 · 4H2O |
| 8.ED.10 | Asselbornite | Pb(BiO)3(UO2)4(AsO4)2(OH)7 · 4H2O |
| 8.ED.15 | Kamitugaite | PbAl[(UO2)5(PO4)2.38(AsO4)0.62O2(OH)2] · 11.5H2O |
| 8.ED.20 | Nielsbohrite | K(UO2)3(AsO4)(OH)4 · H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 44.7664% | 11,191,600 | 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 Metalodèvite
Fluoresces green to yellow-green in shortwave
Other Information
Notes:
Dissolves in cold dilute HCl or HNO3.
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 Metalodèvite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2679.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 Metalodèvite
Reference List:
Agrinier, Henri, Chantret, Francis, Geffroy, Jacques, Héry, B., Bachet, Bernard, Vachey, Hélène (1972) Une nouvelle espèce minérale : la méta-lodèvite (arséniate hydraté d'uranium et de zinc) Bulletin de Minéralogie, 95 (3) 360-364 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1972.6689
Localities for Metalodèvite
Showing 9 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 | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Christian Auer (2014) |
| Hloušek et al. (2002) |
France (TL) | |
| Agrinier et al. (1972) +1 other reference |
| [Bull.Soc.fr.Min.Crist. (1972) +1 other reference |
| Henriot et al. (1998) |
Italy | |
| Italo Campostrini 2013 (SEM-EDS + XRD analysis) |
UK | |
| George Eric Stanley Curtis collection |
USA | |
| Parker (1982) +2 other references |
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Jánská vein, Březové Hory deposit, Březové Hory, Příbram, Příbram District, Central Bohemian Region, Czech Republic