Arsenuranylite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Arsenuranylite
Formula:
Ca(UO2)4(AsO4)2(OH)4 · 6H2O
Colour:
Orange
Hardness:
2 - 3
Specific Gravity:
4.25 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named in allusion to its composition, containing ARSENic and URANium, and probable relation to phosphuranylite.
This page provides mineralogical data about Arsenuranylite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
374
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:374:8
IMA Classification of Arsenuranylite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Ca(U6+O2)4(As5+O4)2(OH)4·6H2O
Classification of Arsenuranylite
8.EC.10
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
C : UO2:RO4 = 3:2
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
C : UO2:RO4 = 3:2
42.4.9.1
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
4 : (AB)5(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
4 : (AB)5(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
20.7.8
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
7 : Arsenates of U
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
7 : Arsenates 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Auy | 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 Arsenuranylite
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Orange
Hardness:
2 - 3 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
One, perfect
One, perfect
Density:
4.25 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Arsenuranylite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.738 nβ = 1.761 nγ = 1.774
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.036
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 moderate
Comments:
yellow in transmitted light.
Chemistry of Arsenuranylite
Mindat Formula:
Ca(UO2)4(AsO4)2(OH)4 · 6H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Arsenuranylite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 15.40 Å, b = 17.40 Å, c = 13.77 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.885 : 1 : 0.791
Unit Cell V:
3,689.81 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
6
Comment:
Space Group: Bmmb.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.72 Å | (10) |
| 3.85 Å | (10) |
| 8.41 Å | (8) |
| 3.13 Å | (8) |
| 3.42 Å | (7) |
| 1.778 Å | (7) |
| 1.729 Å | (7) |
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] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] |
Type Occurrence of Arsenuranylite
General Appearance of Type Material:
As fine scales and lichenlike incrustations of elongated crystals, to 0.5 mm.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia,
64434.
64434.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
oxidized zone of a uranium deposit containing arsenic-bearing sulfides
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Arsenuranylite
Dutch:Arsenuranyliet
French:Arsénuranylite
German:Arsenuranylit
Norwegian:Arsenuranylitt
Spanish:Arsenuranylita
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 2 photos of Arsenuranylite associated with Metazeunerite | Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 2 photos of Arsenuranylite associated with Schoepite | (UO2)8O2(OH)12 · 12H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.EC.05 | Upalite | Al(UO2)3(PO4)2O(OH) · 7H2O |
| 8.EC.05 | Françoisite-(Nd) | (Nd,Ce,Sm)(UO2)3(PO4)2O(OH) · 6H2O |
| 8.EC.05 | Françoisite-(Ce) | (Ce,Nd,Ca)(UO2)3(PO4)2O(OH) · 6H2O |
| 8.EC.05 | Phuralumite | Al2[(UO2)3(PO4)2O(OH)](OH)3(H2O)9 |
| 8.EC.10 | Yingjiangite | K2Ca(UO2)7(PO4)4(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 8.EC.10 | Renardite | Pb(UO2)4(PO4)2(OH)4 · H2O |
| 8.EC.10 | Phosphuranylite | KCa(H3O)3(UO2)7(PO4)4O4 · 8H2O |
| 8.EC.10 | 'Kivuite' | Th(UO2)4(PO3OH)2(OH)8 · 7H2O |
| 8.EC.10 | Dewindtite | H2Pb3(UO2)6O4(PO4)4 · 12H2O |
| 8.EC.15 | Dumontite | Pb2(UO2)3O2(PO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 8.EC.15 | Hügelite | Pb2(UO2)3(AsO4)2O2 · 5H2O |
| 8.EC.20 | Vanmeersscheite | U6+(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 8.EC.20 | Arsenovanmeersscheite | U6+(UO2)3(AsO4)2(OH)6 · 4H2O |
| 8.EC.20 | Metavanmeersscheite | U6+(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)6 · 2H2O |
| 8.EC.25 | Althupite | AlTh(UO2)7(PO4)4(OH)5O2 · 15H2O |
| 8.EC.30 | Mundite | Al(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)3 · 5.5H2O |
| 8.EC.35 | Phurcalite | Ca2(UO2)3(PO4)2O2 · 7H2O |
| 8.EC.40 | Bergenite | Ca2Ba4(UO2)9(PO4)6O6 · 16H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 60.4845% | 15,121,125 | 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: –
| 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
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 Arsenuranylite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-374.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Arsenuranylite
Localities for Arsenuranylite
Showing 7 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.
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Aufschluss 69/ (7+8) +1 other reference |
| Wittern (2001) |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
Spain | |
| Joan Abella i Creus and Joan Viñals i Olià (2012) |
USA | |
| - (2008) |
Uzbekistan (TL) | |
| Belova (1958) +3 other references |
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Cherkasar U Deposit, Pop District, Namangan Region, Uzbekistan