Uranospathite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Uranospathite
Formula:
(Al,◻)(UO2)2(PO4)2F · 20(H2O,F)
Colour:
Yellow, light yellow-green, pale green
Hardness:
2 - 2½
Specific Gravity:
2.5
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
In allusion to its composition, containing URANium plus Greek σπάθη for "SPATHe", sword or broad blade, alluding to its common habit.
Isostructural with:
The P analogue of arsenuranospathite. An uncommon secondary mineral occurring in the oxidized zones of uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits.
Easily loses 10-12 H2O converting to sabugalite (Walenta, 1978).
Crystal structure details:
- corner-sharing UO6 square bipyramids
- PO4 tetrahedra
- the above form autunite-type [(UO2)(PO4)] sheet
- Al(H2O)6 octahedra are in the interlayer space
- 8 isolated water molecules in the interlayer
- hydrogen bonds link together the water molecules, Al octahedra and UAs-bearing sheets, forming a very complex bonding net
- F is supposed to replace some of the water molecules in the Al-bearing octahedra.
Easily loses 10-12 H2O converting to sabugalite (Walenta, 1978).
Crystal structure details:
- corner-sharing UO6 square bipyramids
- PO4 tetrahedra
- the above form autunite-type [(UO2)(PO4)] sheet
- Al(H2O)6 octahedra are in the interlayer space
- 8 isolated water molecules in the interlayer
- hydrogen bonds link together the water molecules, Al octahedra and UAs-bearing sheets, forming a very complex bonding net
- F is supposed to replace some of the water molecules in the Al-bearing octahedra.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4111
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4111:5
IMA Classification of Uranospathite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
(Al,◻)(U6+O2)2F(PO4)2·20(H2O,F)
Classification of Uranospathite
8.EB.25
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
B : UO2:RO4 = 1:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
B : UO2:RO4 = 1:1
40.2a.22.1
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
19.11.32
19 : Phosphates
11 : Phosphates of U
19 : Phosphates
11 : Phosphates 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Ush | 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 Uranospathite
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Yellow, light yellow-green, pale green
Hardness:
2 - 2½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {001}, perfect; on {100} and {010}, good.
On {001}, perfect; on {100} and {010}, good.
Density:
2.5 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.49 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Uranospathite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.492 nβ = 1.51 nγ = 1.521
2V:
Measured: 69° , Calculated: 70°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.029
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.
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.
Dispersion:
r > v strong
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = Pale yellow
Y = Z = Deep yellow
Y = Z = Deep yellow
Comments:
anomalous
Chemistry of Uranospathite
Mindat Formula:
(Al,◻)(UO2)2(PO4)2F · 20(H2O,F)
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Uranospathite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mm2 - Pyramidal
Space Group:
Pnn2
Cell Parameters:
a = 30.020(4) Å, b = 7.0084(9) Å, c = 7.0492(9) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 4.283 : 1 : 1.006
Unit Cell V:
1483.1 ų
Z:
2
Morphology:
Crystals platy, rectangular, flattened on {001}, striated parallel to the elongation [010], and exhibiting {100} and {010}, in fanlike groups.
Twinning:
On {110}, forming cruciform groupings.
Comment:
Pseudotetragonal (P42/n, a = 7.00, c = 30.02 A)
Crystal Structure
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0006021 | Uranospathite | Locock A J, Kinman W S, Burns P C (2005) The structure and composition of uranospathite, Al1-xVacancyx[(UO2)(PO4)]2(H2O)20+3xF1-3x, x = 0 - 0.33, a non-centrosymmetric fluorine-bearing mineral of the autunite group, and of a related synthetic lower hydrate, Al0.67Vacancy0.33[(UO2)(PO4)]2(H2O)15.5 The Canadian Mineralogist 43 989-1003 |  | 2005 | Venachat, Haute-Vienne, France | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 15.22 Å | (100) |
| 7.60 Å | (100) |
| 4.93 Å | (100) |
| 3.50 Å | (80) |
| 4.48 Å | (60) |
| 2.21 Å | (60) |
| 4.08 Å | (40) |
Comments:
Basset mines material
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] |
Type Occurrence of Uranospathite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Museum of Practical Geology, Ludlam collection: #L1941, now in The Natural History Museum, London, England.
Other Language Names for Uranospathite
Dutch:Uranospathiet
German:Uranospathit
Uranspat
Uranspat
Russian:Ураношпатит
Simplified Chinese:水磷铀矿
Spanish:Uranospathita
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 3 photos of Uranospathite associated with Dewindtite | H2Pb3(UO2)6O4(PO4)4 · 12H2O |
| 2 photos of Uranospathite associated with Bassetite | Fe2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 2 photos of Uranospathite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 2 photos of Uranospathite associated with Chalcocite | Cu2S |
| 1 photo of Uranospathite associated with Autunite | Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10-12H2O |
| 1 photo of Uranospathite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.EB. | Meta-autunite Group | A1-2(UO2)2(TO4)2 · 5-10H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Rauchite | Ni(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Uranocircite | Ba(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Uranospinite | Ca(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Zeunerite | Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Metarauchite | Ni(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Heinrichite | Ba(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Kahlerite | Fe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Hydronováčekite | Mg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Torbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Nováčekite | Mg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Autunite | Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10-12H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Saléeite | Mg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Xiangjiangite | (Fe3+,Al)(UO2)4(PO4)2(SO4)2(OH) · 22H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Bassetite | Fe2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Lehnerite | Mn2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Meta-autunite | Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metasaléeite | Mg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metauranocircite | Ba(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 7H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metauranospinite | Ca(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metaheinrichite | Ba(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metakahlerite | Fe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metakirchheimerite | Co(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metanováčekite | Mg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metanatroautunite | Na(UO2)(PO4)(H2O)3 |
| 8.EB.10 | Metatorbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metazeunerite | Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Przhevalskite | Pb2(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 3H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | 'Pseudo-autunite' | (H3O)4Ca2(UO2)2(PO4)4 · 5H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Abernathyite | K(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Uramphite | (NH4)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Meta-ankoleite | K2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Natrouranospinite | Na2(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Trögerite | (H3O)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Chernikovite | (H3O)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Uramarsite | (NH4)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2O |
| 8.EB.20 | Chistyakovaite | Al(UO2)2(AsO4)2(F,OH) · 6.5H2O |
| 8.EB.20 | Threadgoldite | Al(UO2)2(PO4)2(OH) · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.25 | Arsenuranospathite | Al(UO2)2(AsO4)2F · 20H2O |
| 8.EB.30 | Vochtenite | (Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(UO2)4(PO4)4(OH) · 12-13H2O |
| 8.EB.35 | Coconinoite | Fe3+2Al2(UO2)2(PO4)4(SO4)(OH)2 · 20H2O |
| 8.EB.40 | Ranunculite | HAl(UO2)(PO4)(OH)3 · 4H2O |
| 8.EB.45 | Triangulite | Al3(UO2)4(PO4)4(OH)5 · 5H2O |
| 8.EB.50 | Furongite | Al13(UO2)7(PO4)13(OH)14 · 58H2O |
| 8.EB.55 | Arsenosabugalite | H0.5Al0.5(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.55 | Sabugalite | HAl(UO2)4(PO4)4 · 16H2O |
| 8.EB.60 | Horákite | (Bi7O7OH)[(UO2)4(PO4)2(AsO4)2(OH)2] · 3.5H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 41.8960% | 10,474,000 | 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
IR Spectrum:
Yellowish green (UV).
Notes:
Radioactive. Readily dehydrates to Sabugalite.
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 Uranospathite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4111.html
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Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Uranospathite
Reference List:
Hallimond, A. F. (1915) On Bassetite and Uranospathite, new species hitherto classed as Autunite. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 17 (81) 221-236 doi:10.1180/minmag.1915.017.81.11
Walenta, Kurt (1978) Uranospathite and arsenuranospathite. Mineralogical Magazine, 42 (321) 117-128 doi:10.1180/minmag.1978.042.321.18
Locock, A. J., Kinman, W. S., Burns, P. C. (2005) The structure and composition of uranospathite, Al1–x◻x[(UO2)(PO4)]2(H2O)20+3xF1–3x, 0 < x < 0.33, a non-centrosymmetric fluorine-bearing mineral of the autunite group, and of a related synthetic lower hydrate, Al0.67◻0.33[(UO2)(PO4)]2(H2O)15.5. The Canadian Mineralogist, 43 (3) 989-1003 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.43.3.989
Anthony, John W., Bideaux, Richard A., Bladh, Kenneth W., Nichols, Monte C. - Eds. (2016) Handbook of Mineralogy. https://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/
Theye, Thomas, Walenta, Kurt, Markl, Gregor (2016) The chemical composition of uranospathite, arsenuranospathite, and associated minerals revisited: the peculiarity of fluorine incorporation in autunite group minerals. Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie - Abhandlungen: Journal of Mineralogy and Geoche, 193 (1) 59-68 doi:10.1127/njma/2015/0292
Localities for Uranospathite
Showing 29 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.
Australia | |
| |
China | |
| Dahlkamp (2009) |
| Dahlkamp (2009) | |
Czech Republic | |
| Hloušek et al. (2002) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) | |
Ecuador | |
| Manrique et al. (2018) |
France | |
| Boisson J.-M. (2025) |
| Queneau (n.d.) |
| |
| - (1998) |
| - (1998) |
| - (1998) |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Möhn et al. (11/2020) |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
Italy | |
| Rivista Mineralogica Italiana (1) |
North Macedonia | |
| Radusinovic (1974) |
Romania | |
| Hîrtopanu P. et al. (2004) |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
Spain | |
| Alice Kraissl |
| - (1994) |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) | |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) |
Switzerland | |
| Meisser (2012) |
| Ansermet et al. (2025) |
UK (TL) | |
| Embrey et al. (1987) |
USA | |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Travis Olds collection +1 other reference |
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Le Boucheron, Davignac, Ussel, Corrèze, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France