Parsonsite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Parsonsite
Arthur Leonard Parsons
Formula:
Pb2(UO2)(PO4)2
Water content appears to be variable.
Both 0-0.5H2O and ~2H2O per formula unit were measured.
Both 0-0.5H2O and ~2H2O per formula unit were measured.
Colour:
Light citron-yellow, honey-brown, green-brown, pale rose (rare); pale yellow in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Sub-Adamantine, Greasy
Hardness:
2½ - 3
Specific Gravity:
5.72 - 5.75
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
In honor of Arthur Leonard Parsons (1873-1957), Professor and Head of Mineralogy and Petrography, University of Toronto (1936-1943), Assistant Director (1920-1939) and Director (1939-1957) of the Royal Ontario Museum.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3126
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3126:0
IMA Classification of Parsonsite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Pb2+2(U6+O2)(PO4)2
First published:
1923
Classification of Parsonsite
8.EA.10
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
A : UO2:RO4 = 1:2
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
A : UO2:RO4 = 1:2
40.2a.31.1
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+
19.11.36
19 : Phosphates
11 : Phosphates of U
19 : Phosphates
11 : Phosphates 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pso | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Pronunciation of Parsonsite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Parsonsite
Sub-Adamantine, Greasy
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Light citron-yellow, honey-brown, green-brown, pale rose (rare); pale yellow in transmitted light.
Hardness:
2½ - 3 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
5.72 - 5.75 g/cm3 (Measured) 6.21 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Parsonsite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.85 nγ = 1.86
2V:
Measured: 11° to 26°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.010
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:
Very 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:
relatively strong
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Chemistry of Parsonsite
Mindat Formula:
Pb2(UO2)(PO4)2
Water content appears to be variable.
Both 0-0.5H2O and ~2H2O per formula unit were measured.
Water content appears to be variable.
Both 0-0.5H2O and ~2H2O per formula unit were measured.
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Parsonsite
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 6.842(4) Å, b = 10.383(6) Å, c = 6.670(40) Å
α = 101.26(7)°, β = 98.17(7)°, γ = 86.38(7)°
α = 101.26(7)°, β = 98.17(7)°, γ = 86.38(7)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.659 : 1 : 0.642
Unit Cell V:
459.8 ų
Z:
2
Morphology:
Crystals lath-like, elongated [001] and flattened {010}, exhibiting {001}, {101}, and {100}. Radial-fibrous spherulites; commonly as crusts and powdery aggregates.
Comment:
Non-standard setting; reduced cell: 6.670, 6.842, 10.383 Å, 86.38, 78.74, 81.83°. Cell parameters from Burns (2000)
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
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
Black Background | White Background
Perspective On | Perspective Off
2D | Stereo | Red-Blue | Red-Cyan
View
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
Rotation
Stop | Start
Stop | Start
Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0003721 | Parsonsite | Locock A J, Burns P C, Flynn T M (2005) The role of water in the structures of synthetic hallimondite, Pb2[(UO2)(AsO4)2](H2O)n and synthetic parsonsite, Pb2[(UO2)(PO4)2](H2O)n, 0 < n < 0.5 American Mineralogist 90 240-246 |  | 2005 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0002459 | Parsonsite | Burns P C (2000) A new uranyl phosphate chain in the structure of parsonsite American Mineralogist 85 801-805 | | 2000 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.25 Å | (100) |
| 3.28 Å | (80) |
| 2.13 Å | (60) |
| 1.661 Å | (60) |
| 1.852 Å | (50) |
| 3.97 Å | (40) |
| 3.44 Å | (40) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Parsonsite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Minute tabular crystals.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National School of Mines, Paris, France #123.89.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidized zone of a hydrothermal uranium deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Parsonsite
Other Language Names for Parsonsite
Relationship of Parsonsite to other Species
Forms a series with:
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 46 photos of Parsonsite associated with Torbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 21 photos of Parsonsite associated with Metatorbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 16 photos of Parsonsite associated with Pyromorphite | Pb5(PO4)3Cl |
| 12 photos of Parsonsite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 11 photos of Parsonsite associated with Plumbogummite | PbAl3(PO4)(PO3OH)(OH)6 |
| 9 photos of Parsonsite associated with Opal | SiO2 · nH2O |
| 7 photos of Parsonsite associated with 'Chalcedony' | SiO2 |
| 5 photos of Parsonsite associated with 'Mimetite-Pyromorphite Series' | |
| 5 photos of Parsonsite associated with Autunite | Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10-12H2O |
| 5 photos of Parsonsite associated with Mimetite | Pb5(AsO4)3Cl |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.EA.05 | Phosphowalpurgite | (BiO)4(UO2)(PO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.EA.05 | Walpurgite | (BiO)4(UO2)(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.EA.05 | Orthowalpurgite | (BiO)4(UO2)(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 8.EA.10 | Hallimondite | Pb2(UO2)(AsO4)2 · nH2O |
| 8.EA.15 | Ulrichite | CaCu(UO2)(PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 8.EA.20 | Lakebogaite | CaNaFe3+2H(UO2)2(PO4)4(OH)2 · 8H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 27.2229% | 6,805,725 | 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 Parsonsite
Not fluorescent.
Other Information
Notes:
Radioactive. Soluble in acids.
In a closed tube yields H2O and becomes yellowish.
On charcoal fuses to a black globule.
In a closed tube yields H2O and becomes yellowish.
On charcoal fuses to a black globule.
Health Risks:
Radioactive. Don't store in occupied areas. Avoid inhaling dust. Wash hands after handling.
Internet Links for Parsonsite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3126.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 Parsonsite
Reference List:
Billiet, Valère (1926) Détermination des indices de réfraction de la becquerélite, de la curite, de la kasolite, de la fourmariérite, de la parsonsite, de la dumontite, et de l'ianthinite. Bulletin de la Société française de Minéralogie, 49 (3). 136-140 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1926.4309
Frondel, Clifford (1950) Studies of uranium minerals (I) : Parsonite and randite. American Mineralogist, 35 (3-4) 245-250
Frondel, Clifford (1958) Systematic mineralogy of uranium and thorium. Bulletin 1064. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b1064 pp.233-236
Burns, Peter C. (2000) A new uranyl phosphate chain in the structure of parsonsite. American Mineralogist, 85 (5) 801-805 doi:10.2138/am-2000-5-621
Locock, Andrew J., Burns, Peter C., Flynn, Theodore M. (2005) The role of water in the structures of synthetic hallimondite, Pb2[(UO2)(AsO4)2](H2O)n and synthetic parsonsite, Pb2[(UO2)(PO4)2](H2O)n, 0 ≤n≤ 0.5. American Mineralogist, 90 (1) 240-246 doi:10.2138/am.2005.1705
Burns, Peter C. (2005) U6+ minerals and inorganic compounds: insights into an expanded structural hierarchy of crystal structures. The Canadian Mineralogist, 43 (6) 1839-1894 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.43.6.1839
Localities for Parsonsite
Showing 75 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.
Australia | |
| of Raman Spectroscopy 37 (9) +2 other references |
| Henry et al. (1999) | |
Austria | |
| Auer (2005) |
Brazil | |
| Stephan Wolfsried collection |
Canada | |
| Traill (1983) |
China | |
| Carnegie Museum of Natural History ... |
Czech Republic | |
| Journal of Geosciences 54:15-56 +2 other references |
| Plášil et al. (2009) |
| Hloušek et al. (2002) | |
| Pauliš et al. (2004) |
| Sejkora (1994) |
DR Congo (TL) | |
| Schoep (1923) +4 other references |
France | |
| Mario Mebus collection (SXRD-analysed by Uwe Kolitsch) |
| Cuchet et al. (2000) |
| Belot (1978) |
| J.-J. Périchaud: "Les Minéraux ... | |
| - (1998) |
| - (1998) | |
| J.-J. Périchaud: "Où trouver les minéraux d'Auvergne" et al. (Clermont-Ferrand) +1 other reference | |
| J. Chervet |
| Poughon et al. (1955) |
| - (1998) | |
| J. Chervet +1 other reference | |
| P.-C. Guiollard (2002) | |
| J. Chervet | |
| J. Chervet | |
| Queneau (n.d.) | |
| |
| J. Chervet | |
| J. Geffroy | |
| J. Chervet +1 other reference | |
| - (1998) |
| OLLIC Pascal Collection +2 other references |
| OLLIC Pascal Collection +1 other reference | |
| OLLIC Pascal Collection +1 other reference |
| - (1998) |
| Joachim Esche collection +1 other reference |
| - (1998) |
| - (1998) |
| Lukas (1978) +2 other references |
| N. Meisser 2024 |
| Yannick Vessely collection |
| - (1998) |
| - (1998) |
| - (1998) |
| - (1998) |
| - (1998) |
Germany | |
| Scharrer et al. (2020) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Dill et al. (2010) | |
| Schnorrer (1995) +1 other reference |
| |
| Gröbner et al. (2007) +1 other reference |
| Wittern (2001) |
Italy | |
| Biffi et al. (1999) +1 other reference |
| Stara (1990) |
| Garavelli et al. (1959) +2 other references | |
| Ref: Daniele Ravagnani - I giacimenti ... +1 other reference |
Poland | |
| Siuda R. et al. (2010) |
Portugal | |
| |
| Alves (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| van den Berg (1992) +1 other reference |
| Favreau (n.d.) |
| Rui Nunes 2011 |
Spain | |
| Collection Andres Marin - analysed by Christian Rewitzer (REM 5956) |
UK | |
| an abandoned uranium mine +1 other reference |
USA | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Schooner (circa 1985) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
Quick NavTopAbout ParsonsiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPronunciation Physical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
São Pedro claim, Malacacheta, Minas Gerais, Brazil