Sengierite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Sengierite
Edgar Sengier
Formula:
Cu2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 6H2O
Colour:
Olive-green, yellowish green
Lustre:
Adamantine, Vitreous
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
4.05
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named in honor of Edgard Sengier (9 October 1879, Kortrijk, Belgium - 26 July 1963, Cannes, France), Director, Union Miniere du Haut-Katanga, Zaire. He provided uranium ores from Katanga for the Manhattan project.
Carnotite Group.
An uncommon secondary mineral deposited from solutions derived from altering uraninite.
Visually very similar to volborthite.
An uncommon secondary mineral deposited from solutions derived from altering uraninite.
Visually very similar to volborthite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3620
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3620:3
Classification of Sengierite
Francevillite sheet topology
The sheet topology found in minerals of the carnotite group.
IMA Classification of Sengierite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Cu2+2(U6+O2)2(V5+O4)2(OH)2·6H2O
First published:
1949
Type description reference:
4.HB.10
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
H : V[5,6] Vanadates
B : Uranyl Sorovanodates
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
H : V[5,6] Vanadates
B : Uranyl Sorovanodates
42.6.10.1
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
6 : A2(XO4)Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
6 : A2(XO4)Zq·xH2O
21.4.6
21 : Vanadates (and vanadates with arsenate or phosphate)
4 : Vanadates of U, Mn, Fe or Ni
21 : Vanadates (and vanadates with arsenate or phosphate)
4 : Vanadates of U, Mn, Fe or Ni
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sgi | 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 Sengierite
Adamantine, Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Olive-green, yellowish green
Streak:
Light green
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {001}, perfect
On {001}, perfect
Density:
4.05 g/cm3 (Measured) 4.1 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Sengierite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.76 - 1.77 nβ = 1.92 - 1.94 nγ = 1.94 - 1.97
2V:
Measured: 37° to 39°, Calculated: 36°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.180 - 0.200
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:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = Bluish green to colourless
Y = Olive-green to greenish yellow
Z = Yellowish green to colourless
Y = Olive-green to greenish yellow
Z = Yellowish green to colourless
Chemistry of Sengierite
Mindat Formula:
Cu2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 6H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Sengierite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.599 Å, b = 8.093 Å, c = 10.085 Å
β = 103.42°
β = 103.42°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.31 : 1 : 1.246
Unit Cell V:
841.45 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Crystals six-sided thin plates, flattened on {001}, and exhibiting {001}, {110}, {100}, {201}, and {111:; also as flaky coatings.
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
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Big Balls | Small Balls | Just Balls | Spacefill
Polyhedra Off | Si Polyhedra | All Polyhedra
Remove metal-metal sticks
Display Options
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Perspective On | Perspective Off
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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
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0012070 | Sengierite | Piret P, Declercq J P, Wauters-Stoop D (1980) Structure cristalline de la sengierite Bulletin de Mineralogie 103 176-178 | 1980 | Shinkolobwe, Zaire | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.82 Å | (vvs) |
| 4.91 Å | (vs) |
| 3.735 Å | (s) |
| 3.197 Å | (s) |
| 3.179 Å | (s) |
| 3.144 Å | (s) |
| 3.094 Å | (s) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Sengierite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Small, green, platy crystals
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA: #103963.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Sengierite
Relationship of Sengierite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Carnotite Group:
| Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Margaritasite | (Cs,K,H3O)2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Metatyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) |
| Metavanuralite | Al(UO2)2(VO4)2(OH) · 8H2O | Tric. |
| Strelkinite | Na2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 6H2O | Orth. |
| Tyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5-8H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnna |
| Vanuralite | Al(UO2)2(V2O8)(OH) · 11H2O | Mon. 2/m |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 9 photos of Sengierite associated with Chalcocite | Cu2S |
| 5 photos of Sengierite associated with Brochantite | Cu4(SO4)(OH)6 |
| 5 photos of Sengierite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 4 photos of Sengierite associated with Tyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5-8H2O |
| 3 photos of Sengierite associated with Volborthite | Cu3(V2O7)(OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 3 photos of Sengierite associated with Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 3 photos of Sengierite associated with 'Manganese Oxides' | |
| 2 photos of Sengierite associated with Talc | Mg3Si4O10(OH)2 |
| 2 photos of Sengierite associated with 'Schist' | |
| 2 photos of Sengierite associated with Torbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.HB.X | Spanoite | Tl2[(UO2)2(V2O8)] |
| 4.HB.05 | Margaritasite | (Cs,K,H3O)2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · H2O |
| 4.HB.05 | Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Francevillite | Ba(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Fritzscheite | Mn2+(UO2)2(VO4,PO4)2 · 4H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Curienite | Pb(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Finchite | Sr(UO2)2(V2O8) · 5H2O |
| 4.HB.20 | Vanuralite | Al(UO2)2(V2O8)(OH) · 11H2O |
| 4.HB.20 | Metavanuralite | Al(UO2)2(VO4)2(OH) · 8H2O |
| 4.HB.25 | Metatyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.HB.25 | Tyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5-8H2O |
| 4.HB.30 | Strelkinite | Na2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 4.HB.35 | Uvanite | U6+2V5+6O21 · 15H2O (?) |
| 4.HB.40 | Rauvite | Ca(UO2)2(V10O28) · 16H2O |
| 4.HB.45 | Vandermeerscheite | K2[(UO2)2V2O8] · 2H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 47.3634% | 11,840,850 | 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:
Radioactive. Soluble in acids.
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 Sengierite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3620.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Sengierite
Reference List:
Vaes, J. F., Kerr, Paul F. (1949) Sengierite, a preliminary description. American Mineralogist, 34 (1-2) 109-120
Frondel, Clifford (1958) Systematic mineralogy of uranium and thorium. Bulletin 1064. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b1064 pp.258-260
Piret, Paul, Declercq, Jean-Paul, Wauters-Stoop, Dominique (1980) Structure cristalline de la sengiérite. Crystal structure of sengierite. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 103 (2) 176-178 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1980.7393
Fleischer, Michael, Chao, George Y., Francis, Carl A., Pabst, and Adolf (1981) New Mineral Names. American Mineralogist, 66 (1-2) 217-220 p.220
Localities for Sengierite
Showing 20 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.
Argentina | |
| Brodtkorb +1 other reference |
Czech Republic | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Desor (05/2022) +1 other reference |
DR Congo | |
| Deliens (1996) |
| KMMA +3 other references |
| Wilson (2018) |
| KMMA +1 other reference | |
France | |
| |
Germany | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2005) |
Italy | |
| Balestra C. (2014) |
| Bonifazi (2021) |
Morocco | |
| Hutton (1957) |
Russia | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data 2012 |
Spain | |
| mineralsabella.blogspot.com (2009) +1 other reference |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) | |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) |
USA | |
| Hutton (1957) +2 other references |
| Carnegie Museum of Natural History ... |
| Desor (10/2024) |
Quick NavTopAbout SengieriteUnique IdentifiersClassification IMA Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesRelationshipsCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Luiswishi Mine, Kawama, Kipushi Territory, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo