Mourite
A valid IMA mineral species
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Mourite
Formula:
UMo5O12(OH)10
Colour:
Violet
Lustre:
Adamantine
Hardness:
3
Specific Gravity:
3.78 - 4.12
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named by E.V. Kopchenova, K.V. Skvortsova, N.I. Silantieva, G.A. Sidorenko, and L.V. Mikhailova in 1962 for the composition, containing MOlybdenum and URanium.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2797
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2797:3
Similar Names
| Marrite | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | AgPbAsS3 |
| Meierite | A valid IMA mineral species | Ba44Si66Al30O192Cl25(OH)33 |
| Mohite | A valid IMA mineral species | Cu2SnS3 |
| Mohrite | A valid IMA mineral species | (NH4)2Fe(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| Moiraite | A valid IMA mineral species - pending publication | Pb12Sb8As8S36 |
| Mooreite | A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered | Mg9◻2Mn2Zn4(SO4)2(OH)26 · 8H2O |
| Muirite | A valid IMA mineral species | Ba10(Ca2Mn2+Ti)[Si8O24]O2Cl10 |
| Möhnite | A valid IMA mineral species | (NH4)K2Na(SO4)2 |
IMA Classification of Mourite
Approved
IMA Formula:
U6+O2Mo6+5O16·5H2O
First published:
1962
Classification of Mourite
4.FL.80
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
F : Hydroxides (without V or U)
L : Hydroxides with H2O +- (OH); sheets of edge-sharing octahedra
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
F : Hydroxides (without V or U)
L : Hydroxides with H2O +- (OH); sheets of edge-sharing octahedra
5.9.4.1
5 : OXIDES CONTAINING URANIUM OR THORIUM
9 : Miscellaneous
5 : OXIDES CONTAINING URANIUM OR THORIUM
9 : Miscellaneous
27.3.6
27 : Sulphites, Chromates, Molybdates and Tungstates
3 : Molybdates
27 : Sulphites, Chromates, Molybdates and Tungstates
3 : Molybdates
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mou | 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 Mourite
Adamantine
Transparency:
Translucent, Opaque
Colour:
Violet
Streak:
Violet-blue
Hardness:
3 on Mohs scale
Hardness:
VHN100=75 - Vickers
Cleavage:
Very Good
{100}
{100}
Density:
3.78 - 4.12 g/cm3 (Measured) 4.22 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Mourite
Type:
Biaxial
RI values:
nα = 1.79
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Anisotropism:
Strong
Dispersion:
r > v perceptible
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
Pronounced. Pale violet-blue with greenish tint on X and Y, dark blue-violet on Z.
Chemistry of Mourite
Mindat Formula:
UMo5O12(OH)10
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Mourite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P2/b
Setting:
P2/c
Cell Parameters:
a = 9.9063(6) Å, b = 7.1756(4) Å, c = 12.2105(7) Å
β = 102.496(6)°
β = 102.496(6)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.381 : 1 : 1.702
Unit Cell V:
847.41 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
As plates with rectangular outlines, elongated parallel to [010], flattened on {100}.
Comment:
on synthetic material
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 12.77 Å | (90) |
| 5.897 Å | (100) |
| 3.285 Å | (70) |
| 3.193 Å | (70) |
| 3.148 Å | (70) |
| 2.871 Å | (80) |
| 1.728 Å | (80) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| 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 Mourite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Violet nodules, crusts, and plates.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Mining Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia, number 999/1.
A. E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, numbers 65196, 67299.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, number 127972.
A. E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, numbers 65196, 67299.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, number 127972.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidized zone of a uranium–molybdenum deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Mourite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 8 photos of Mourite associated with Iriginite | (UO2)Mo2O7 · 3H2O |
| 4 photos of Mourite associated with Ilsemannite | Mo3O8 · nH2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.FL. | Trébeurdenite | Fe2+2Fe3+4O2(OH)10CO3 · 3H2O |
| 4.FL. | Mariakrite | [Ca4Al2(OH)12(H2O)4][Fe2S4] |
| 4.FL.05 | Muskoxite | Mg7Fe4O13 · 10H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Jamborite | Ni2+1-xCo3+x(OH)2-x(SO4)x · nH2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Mössbauerite | Fe3+6O4(OH)8[CO3] · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Meixnerite | Mg6Al2(OH)16(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Woodallite | Mg6Cr2(OH)16Cl2 · 4H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Fougèrite | Fe2+4Fe3+2(OH)12[CO3] · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Dritsite | Li2Al4(OH)12Cl2 · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Rotemite | Ca4Cr2(OH)12Cl2 · 4H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Iowaite | Mg6Fe3+2(OH)16Cl2 · 4H2O |
| 4.FL.10 | Hydrocalumite | Ca4Al2(OH)12(Cl,CO3,OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 4.FL.15 | Kuzelite | Ca4Al2(OH)12[SO4] · 6H2O |
| 4.FL.20 | Jianshuiite | (Mg,Mn,Ca)Mn3O7 · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.20 | Ernienickelite | NiMn3O7 · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.20 | Aurorite | Mn2+Mn4+3O7 · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.20 | Chalcophanite | ZnMn4+3O7 · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.25 | Woodruffite | Zn2+x/2(Mn4+1-xMn3+x)O2 · yH2O |
| 4.FL.30 | Asbolane | (Ni,Co)2-xMn4+(O,OH)4 · nH2O |
| 4.FL.30 va | 'Lampadite' | Cu, Mn, O, H |
| 4.FL.35 | Buserite | Na4Mn14O27 · 21H2O |
| 4.FL.40 | Takanelite | (Mn,Ca)Mn4O9 · H2O |
| 4.FL.40 | Ranciéite | (Ca,Mn2+)0.2(Mn4+,Mn3+)O2 · 0.6H2O |
| 4.FL.45 | Birnessite | (Na,Ca)0.5(Mn4+,Mn3+)2O4 · 1.5H2O |
| 4.FL.55 | Cianciulliite | Mn(Mg,Mn)2Zn2(OH)10 · 2-4H2O |
| 4.FL.60 | Jensenite | Cu3[TeO6] · 2H2O |
| 4.FL.65 | Leisingite | Cu2MgTe6+O6 · 6H2O |
| 4.FL.70 | Magnesiohongruiite-(Fe3+) | (Mg2Fe3+)Fe3+NbO7(OH) |
| 4.FL.70 | Akdalaite | Al10O14(OH)2 |
| 4.FL.75 | Cafetite | CaTi2O5 · H2O |
| 4.FL.85 | Deloryite | Cu4(UO2)(MoO4)2(OH)6 |
| 4.FL.90 | Lagalyite | Ca2xMn1-xO2 · 1.5-2H2O |
| 4.FL.95 | 'Tunnerite' | |
| 4.FL.100 | Carbocalumite | Ca4Al2(OH)12(CO3) · 6H2O |
| 4.FL.100 | Mampsisite | Ca4Al2(CO3)(OH)12 · 5H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 22.0419% | 5,510,475 | 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
Thermal Behaviour:
When heated at 750 C, most of the mineral volatilizes leaving a small yellow residue giving the x-ray pattern of U3O8.
Notes:
Dissolves with difficulty in concentrated HCl on prolonged heating. Dissolves in concentrated HNO3 with separation of molybdic acid. Is insoluble in H2SO4 or 10% KOH. Dissolves in 2O% Na2CO3 solution on heating.
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 Mourite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2797.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Mourite
Reference List:
Fleischer, Michael; Mandarino, J. A.; Servos, Kurt; Toulmin, Priestley, III (1962) New Mineral Names. American Mineralogist, 47 (9-10). 1216-1223
IMA (1967) International Mineralogical Association: Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 36 (277) 131-136 doi:10.1180/minmag.1967.036.277.20
Smith, Marie Lindberg, Marinenko, John, Weeks, and Alice D. (1971) Comparison of mourite from Karnes County, Texas, with mourite from the U.S.S.R. American Mineralogist, 56 (1-2) 163-173
Localities for Mourite
Showing 4 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.
Kazakhstan | |
| Steffen Möckel EDS analysis (2005) |
| Kopchenova et al. (1962) +1 other reference |
USA | |
| Smith (1991) |
| MINERALS OF THE KARNES URANIUM ... |
Quick NavTopAbout MouriteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Bota-Burum U deposit, Alakol District, Jetisu Region, Kazakhstan