Asselbornite
About Asselbornite
Unique Identifiers
IMA Classification of Asselbornite
Classification of Asselbornite
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
D : Unclassified
42 : HYDRATED PHOSPHATES, ETC.CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
4 : (AB)5(XO4)2Zq·xH2O
20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
7 : Arsenates of U
Mineral Symbols
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Asbn | 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 Asselbornite
Optical Data of Asselbornite
Chemistry of Asselbornite
Crystallography of Asselbornite
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.185 Å | (100) |
| 3.196 Å | (80) |
| 4.520 Å | (70) |
| 3.691 Å | (60) |
| 5.536 Å | (40) |
| 2.609 Å | (40) |
| 3.501 Å | (35) |
Geological Environment
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Asselbornite
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 142229.
Synonyms of Asselbornite
Other Language Names for Asselbornite
Common Associates
| 5 photos of Asselbornite associated with Trögerite | (H3O)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2O |
| 3 photos of Asselbornite associated with Uranophane | Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 3 photos of Asselbornite associated with Zeunerite | Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 1 photo of Asselbornite associated with Phosphuranylite | KCa(H3O)3(UO2)7(PO4)4O4 · 8H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.ED.05 | Moreauite | Al3(UO2)(PO4)3(OH)2 · 13H2O |
| 8.ED.10 | Šreinite | Pb(BiO)3(UO2)4(PO4)2(OH)7 · 4H2O |
| 8.ED.10 | Metalodèvite | Zn(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.ED.15 | Kamitugaite | PbAl[(UO2)5(PO4)2.38(AsO4)0.62O2(OH)2] · 11.5H2O |
| 8.ED.20 | Nielsbohrite | K(UO2)3(AsO4)(OH)4 · H2O |
Radioactivity
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 39.1624% | 9,790,600 | 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.
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
Radioactive.
Internet Links for Asselbornite
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References for Asselbornite
Localities for Asselbornite
Showing 5 localities.
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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 | |
| Christophe Boutry collection |
Germany | |
| Martin et al. (1995) |
| Palache et al. (1951) +3 other references |
| Witzke (1996) |
Russia | |
| Alekseev et al. (2015) |
Walpurgis Flacher vein, Weißer Hirsch Mine, Neustädtel, Schneeberg, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony, Germany