Rabbittite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Rabbittite
John Charles Rabbitt
Formula:
Ca3Mg3(UO2)2(CO3)6(OH)4 · 18H2O
Colour:
Pale green
Lustre:
Silky
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
2.57
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named by Mary E. Thompson, Alice D. Weeks, and Alexander M. Sherwood in 1954 after John "Jack" Charles Rabbitt (3 November 1907, Butte, Montana, USA - 10 June 1957, Washington, D.C., USA), geochemist of the United States Geological Survey and chief of the Trace Elements Section from 1947 to 1953, in recognition of the leadership and inspiration he gave to the members of that laboratory.
This page provides mineralogical data about Rabbittite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3347
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3347:9
IMA Classification of Rabbittite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Ca3Mg3(U6+O2)2(CO3)6(OH)4·18H2O
First published:
1955
Classification of Rabbittite
5.ED.25
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
D : UO2:CO3 = 1:3
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
D : UO2:CO3 = 1:3
16b.7.3.1
16b : HYDRATED CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : Miscellaneous
16b : HYDRATED CARBONATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
7 : Miscellaneous
11.11.14
11 : Carbonates
11 : Carbonates of Cr and U
11 : Carbonates
11 : Carbonates of Cr and 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rab | 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 Rabbittite
Silky
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Pale green
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
Parallel to the c-axis. Under the microscope the crystals show a cleavage across the fibers, which is probably parallel to {001}, and two easy and perfect prismatic cleavages.
Parallel to the c-axis. Under the microscope the crystals show a cleavage across the fibers, which is probably parallel to {001}, and two easy and perfect prismatic cleavages.
Density:
2.57 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.69 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
Measured using mixture of bromoform and acetone
Optical Data of Rabbittite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.502(5) nβ = 1.508(2) nγ = 1.525(5)
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:
Low (negative)
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.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (62°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
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.
No measured or calculated 2V is on file for this mineral, so the value used here (62°) is estimated from its recorded refractive indices and optic sign, not from a direct 2V measurement.
Dispersion:
relatively strong
Comments:
2V(meas.) = Large.
Chemistry of Rabbittite
Mindat Formula:
Ca3Mg3(UO2)2(CO3)6(OH)4 · 18H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Rabbittite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Cell Parameters:
a = 32.6(1) Å, b = 23.8(1) Å, c = 9.45(3) Å
β = 90°
β = 90°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.37 : 1 : 0.397
Unit Cell V:
7,332.07 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
8
Comment:
Point Group: n.d.; Space Group: n.d.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 8.24 Å | (100) |
| 7.79 Å | (80) |
| 4.37 Å | (80) |
| 4.71 Å | (70) |
| 5.83 Å | (50b) |
| 4.81 Å | (50) |
| 1.28 Å | (50) |
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] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals |
Type Occurrence of Rabbittite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Bundles of pale-green extremely small acicular crystals. Some crystals are bent and twisted, in a manner similar to talc.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 105099.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 112741, 162619.
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 112741, 162619.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Efflorescence on a pillar of high-grade ore.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Rabbittite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 13 photos of Rabbittite associated with Schröckingerite | NaCa3(UO2)(CO3)3(SO4)F · 10H2O |
| 3 photos of Rabbittite associated with Liebigite | Ca2(UO2)(CO3)3 · 11H2O |
| 3 photos of Rabbittite associated with Paddlewheelite | MgCa5Cu2(UO2)4(CO3)12(H2O)33 |
| 2 photos of Rabbittite associated with 'Pitchblende' | UO2 |
| 1 photo of Rabbittite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 1 photo of Rabbittite associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.ED. | Szilagyiite | NaCa3(UO2)(CO3)3(SeO3)F(H2O)6 |
| 5.ED. | Pendevilleite-(Y) | Mg2Y3Al(UO2)2(CO3)7(OH)6(H2O)16 |
| 5.ED. | Paramarkeyite | Ca2(UO2)(CO3)3 · 5H2O |
| 5.ED.05 | Bayleyite | Mg2(UO2)(CO3)3 · 18H2O |
| 5.ED.10 | Swartzite | MgCa(UO2)(CO3)3 · 12H2O |
| 5.ED.15 | Albrechtschraufite | Ca4Mg(UO2)2(CO3)6F2 · 17-18H2O |
| 5.ED.20 | Liebigite | Ca2(UO2)(CO3)3 · 11H2O |
| 5.ED.30 | Andersonite | Na2Ca(UO2)(CO3)3 · 5.33H2O |
| 5.ED.35 | Grimselite | K3Na(UO2)(CO3)3 · H2O |
| 5.ED.40 | Widenmannite | Pb2(OH)2[(UO2)(CO3)2] |
| 5.ED.45 | Znucalite | Zn10Ca0.83(UO2)0.83(CO3)4(OH)15.31(H2O)5.48 |
| 5.ED.50 | Agricolaite | K4(UO2)(CO3)3 |
| 5.ED.50 | Čejkaite | Na4(UO2)(CO3)3 |
| 5.ED.55 | Línekite | K2Ca3[(UO2)(CO3)3]2 · 8H2O |
| 5.ED.55 | Braunerite | K2Ca(UO2)(CO3)3 · 6H2O |
| 5.ED.60 | Leószilárdite | Na6Mg(UO2)2(CO3)6 · 6H2O |
| 5.ED.65 | Pseudomarkeyite | Ca8(UO2)4(CO3)12 · 21H2O |
| 5.ED.65 | Natromarkeyite | Na2Ca8(UO2)4(CO3)13 · 27H2O |
| 5.ED.65 | Markeyite | Ca9(UO2)4(CO3)13 · 28H2O |
| 5.ED.70 | Paddlewheelite | MgCa5Cu2(UO2)4(CO3)12(H2O)33 |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 32.0456% | 8,011,400 | 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
Notes:
Effervesces in dilute HCl and slowly soluble in cold water
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 Rabbittite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3347.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 Rabbittite
Localities for Rabbittite
Showing 10 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 | |
| Hloušek et al. (2002) |
| Dr. Jaroslav Hyrsl | |
| Jeff Weisman | |
Germany | |
| www.mineralienatlas.de (n.d.) |
| Hans-Jürgen Haas collection |
Russia | |
| Igor V. Pekov and Anatoly Kasatkin analytical data (2011) +1 other reference |
USA | |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Thompson et al. (1955) |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
| Bullock (1981) |
Quick NavTopAbout RabbittiteUnique IdentifiersIMA 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
Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic