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Metanatroautunite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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00820980017385528427774.jpg
Metanatroautunite

Lake Boga granite quarry, Lake Boga, Swan Hill Rural City, Victoria, Australia
09269380017271926686186.jpg
Metanatroautunite

Emmons Quarry, Uncle Tom Mountain, Greenwood, Oxford County, Maine, USA
08579890017393992092311.jpg
Metanatroautunite

Kuruk U Deposit, Khodzhent, Sughd, Tajikistan
06657800017865251329665.jpg
Metanatroautunite

Lake Boga granite quarry, Lake Boga, Swan Hill Rural City, Victoria, Australia
09269380017271926686186.jpg
Metanatroautunite

Emmons Quarry, Uncle Tom Mountain, Greenwood, Oxford County, Maine, USA
08883060017368943865843.jpg
Metanatroautunite

Kuruk U Deposit, Khodzhent, Sughd, Tajikistan
00820980017385528427774.jpg
Metanatroautunite

Lake Boga granite quarry, Lake Boga, Swan Hill Rural City, Victoria, Australia
09269380017271926686186.jpg
Metanatroautunite

Emmons Quarry, Uncle Tom Mountain, Greenwood, Oxford County, Maine, USA
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About MetanatroautuniteHide

Formula:
Na(UO2)(PO4)(H2O)3
Colour:
Lemon-yellow
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Waxy, Pearly
Hardness:
2 - 2½
Specific Gravity:
3.62 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Name:
Named 1957 by A. A. Chernikov, O. V. Krutetskaya, and N. I. Organova for it being a sodium-rich member of the autunite group. Originally published as "sodium autunite", but changed in the same year by the authors to "natroautunite". Renamed "meta-natroautunite" in 1994 by A. A. Chernikov and N. I. Organova for the dehydrated relationship of the described mineral.
Meta-autunite Group.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
3705
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3705:7

Classification of MetanatroautuniteHide

00572780017683530272384.jpg
The autunite-type sheet

The autunite-type sheet found in members of the meta-autunite group and shared with members of the autunite group.

IMA Classification of MetanatroautuniteHide

IMA status:
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Na(U6+O2)(PO4)·3H2O
Strunz-mindat (2026):
8.EB.10

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
B : UO2:RO4 = 1:1
Dana 8th ed.:
40.2a.5.1

40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
Hey's CIM Ref.:
19.11.6

19 : Phosphates
11 : Phosphates of U

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
MnautIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of MetanatroautuniteHide

Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Waxy, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Lemon-yellow
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 - 2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
{001}
Fracture:
Micaceous
Density:
3.62 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of MetanatroautuniteHide

Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.578 nε = 1.559
Birefringence:
0.019
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.019
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.

Surface Relief:
Moderate (positive)
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 uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic (convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.

For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
O = light yellow, E = pale yellow

Chemistry of MetanatroautuniteHide

Mindat Formula:
Na(UO2)(PO4)(H2O)3
Element Weights:
Element% weight
U53.849 %
O32.575 %
P7.007 %
Na5.201 %
H1.368 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
U
O
P
Na
H
Elements listed:
H, Na, O, P, U - search for minerals with similar chemistry

Crystallography of MetanatroautuniteHide

Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Class (H-M):
4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) - Ditetragonal Dipyramidal
Space Group:
P4/ncc
Cell Parameters:
a = 6.9935(7) Å, c = 17.5101(12) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 2.504
Unit Cell V:
856.4 ų
Z:
4
Comment:
Mills et al. (2012)

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0018862MetanatroautuniteMills S J, Kampf A R, Birch W D (2012) The crystal structure of metanatroautunite, Na[(UO2)(PO4)](H2O)3, from the Lake Boga Granite, Victoria, Australia American Mineralogist 97 735-7382012Lake Boga Granite, Victoria, Australia0293
0005944MetanatroautuniteLocock A J, Burns P C, Duke M J M, Flynn T M (2004) Monovalent cations in structures of the meta-autunite group The Canadian Mineralogist 42 973-99620040293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
3.67 Å(100)
3.23 Å(70)
2.675 Å(80)
1.639 Å(70)
1.566 Å(80b)
1.540 Å(80b)
1.367 Å(70)
Comments:
Natural material

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest 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]

Synonyms of MetanatroautuniteHide

Other Language Names for MetanatroautuniteHide

Relationship of Metanatroautunite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Meta-autunite Group
Other Members of Meta-autunite Group:
AbernathyiteK(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/ncc
ArsenosabugaliteH0.5Al0.5(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
Chernikovite(H3O)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
LehneriteMn2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
Meta-ankoleiteK2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
Meta-autuniteCa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m)
MetaheinrichiteBa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2 : P21
MetakahleriteFe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
MetakirchheimeriteCo(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
MetalodèviteZn(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OTet. 4/m : P42/m
MetanováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
MetarauchiteNi(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
MetasaléeiteMg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O
MetatorberniteCu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
MetauranocirciteBa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 7H2OMon. 2 : P21
MetauranospiniteCa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
MetazeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
NatrouranospiniteNa2(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 5H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
Trögerite(H3O)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
Uramarsite(NH4)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/mmm
Uramphite(NH4)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
3 photos of Metanatroautunite associated with MuscoviteKAl2(AlSi3O10)(OH)2
1 photo of Metanatroautunite associated with AlbiteNa(AlSi3O8)
1 photo of Metanatroautunite associated with WodginiteMn2+Sn4+Ta2O8
1 photo of Metanatroautunite associated with Tantalowodginite(Mn2+0.5◻0.5)TaTa2O8
1 photo of Metanatroautunite associated with AutuniteCa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10-12H2O

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

8.EB.Meta-autunite GroupA1-2(UO2)2(TO4)2 · 5-10H2O
8.EB.05RauchiteNi(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.05UranocirciteBa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2OTet.
8.EB.05UranospiniteCa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.05ZeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
8.EB.05MetarauchiteNi(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.05HeinrichiteBa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.EB.05KahleriteFe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
8.EB.05HydronováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.05TorberniteCu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
8.EB.05NováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m
8.EB.05AutuniteCa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10-12H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma
8.EB.05SaléeiteMg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m
8.EB.05Xiangjiangite(Fe3+,Al)(UO2)4(PO4)2(SO4)2(OH) · 22H2OTet.
8.EB.10BassetiteFe2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m
8.EB.10LehneriteMn2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
8.EB.10Meta-autuniteCa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m)
8.EB.10MetasaléeiteMg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O
8.EB.10MetauranocirciteBa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 7H2OMon. 2 : P21
8.EB.10MetauranospiniteCa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
8.EB.10MetaheinrichiteBa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2 : P21
8.EB.10MetakahleriteFe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.10MetakirchheimeriteCo(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.10MetanováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
8.EB.10MetatorberniteCu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
8.EB.10MetazeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
8.EB.10PrzhevalskitePb2(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 3H2OTet.
8.EB.10'Pseudo-autunite'(H3O)4Ca2(UO2)2(PO4)4 · 5H2OOrth.
8.EB.15AbernathyiteK(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/ncc
8.EB.15Uramphite(NH4)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Meta-ankoleiteK2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15NatrouranospiniteNa2(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 5H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Trögerite(H3O)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Chernikovite(H3O)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Uramarsite(NH4)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/mmm
8.EB.20ChistyakovaiteAl(UO2)2(AsO4)2(F,OH) · 6.5H2OMon.
8.EB.20ThreadgolditeAl(UO2)2(PO4)2(OH) · 8H2OMon.
8.EB.25Uranospathite(Al,◻)(UO2)2(PO4)2F · 20(H2O,F)Orth. mm2 : Pnn2
8.EB.25ArsenuranospathiteAl(UO2)2(AsO4)2F · 20H2OOrth. mm2 : Pnn2
8.EB.30Vochtenite(Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(UO2)4(PO4)4(OH) · 12-13H2OMon.
8.EB.35CoconinoiteFe3+2Al2(UO2)2(PO4)4(SO4)(OH)2 · 20H2OMon.
8.EB.40RanunculiteHAl(UO2)(PO4)(OH)3 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.EB.45TrianguliteAl3(UO2)4(PO4)4(OH)5 · 5H2OTric.
8.EB.50FurongiteAl13(UO2)7(PO4)13(OH)14 · 58H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.55ArsenosabugaliteH0.5Al0.5(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.55SabugaliteHAl(UO2)4(PO4)4 · 16H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.EB.60Horákite(Bi7O7OH)[(UO2)4(PO4)2(AsO4)2(OH)2] · 3.5H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b

RadioactivityHide

Radioactivity:
Element % Content Activity (Bq/kg) Radiation Type
Uranium (U) 53.8485% 13,462,125 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: –

DistanceDose rateRisk
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 MetanatroautuniteHide

In UV light:
Fluoresces yellow green in SW and LW UV

Other InformationHide

Health Risks:
Contains uranium - always wash hands after handling. Avoid inhaling dust when handling or breaking. Never lick or ingest. Avoid prolonged exposure in proximity of the body. Store away from inhabited areas.

Internet Links for MetanatroautuniteHide

References for MetanatroautuniteHide

Localities for MetanatroautuniteHide

Showing 11 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
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Locality ListHide

- 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Australia
 
  • South Australia
    • Robertstown
Peter Elliott
  • Victoria
    • Swan Hill Rural City
      • Lake Boga
Mills (2004) +1 other reference
  • Western Australia
    • Menzies Shire
      • Menangina Station
Butt et al. (1981)
Egypt
 
  • Red Sea Governorate
    • Abu Ramad
Ehab K. Abu Zeid (2020)
France
 
  • Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
    • Nièvre
      • Château-Chinon
        • Arleuf
Boisson et al. (2025)
Tajikistan
 
  • Sughd
    • Khodzhent (Leninabad)
Pekov (1998) +1 other reference
USA
 
  • Maine
    • Oxford County
      • Greenwood
        • Uncle Tom Mountain
Optical Analysis by A. Falster at Maine ... +1 other reference
  • South Dakota
    • Harding County
      • Cave Hills
Roberts et al. (1965)
      • North Cave Hills
Roberts et al. (1965)
Roberts et al. (1965)
      • Slim Buttes
Roberts et al. (1965)
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