Moluranite
About Moluranite
Unique Identifiers
IMA Classification of Moluranite
Classification of Moluranite
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
H : Uranium and uranyl molybdates and wolframates
A : With U4+
49 : HYDRATED MOLYBDATES AND TUNGSTATES
1 : Acid Hydrated Molybdates and Tungstates
27 : Sulphites, Chromates, Molybdates and Tungstates
3 : Molybdates
Mineral Symbols
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Mlu | 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 Moluranite
Optical Data of Moluranite
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Chemistry of Moluranite
Crystallography of Moluranite
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.17 Å | (10) |
| 1.314 Å | (6) |
| 1.305 Å | (6) |
| 3.44 Å | (5) |
| 2.58 Å | (5) |
| 2.12 Å | (5) |
| 2.03 Å | (5) |
Geological Environment
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Moluranite
Other Language Names for Moluranite
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
Radioactivity
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 38.1438% | 9,535,950 | 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.
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
Internet Links for Moluranite
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References for Moluranite
Localities for Moluranite
Showing 6 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.
China | |
| Mingfa Zhang et al. (2005) |
| MENG et al. (2010) |
Egypt | |
| Hussein et al. (1988) |
| Bisher (2012) |
Mexico | |
| Analysis by and from the collection of ... |
Russia (TL) | |
| Pekov (1998) |
Picacho, Bacoachi, Bacoachi Municipality, Sonora, Mexico