Voglite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Voglite
Formula:
Ca2Cu(UO2)(CO3)4 · 6H2O
Colour:
Bright grass-green, emerald-green
Lustre:
Pearly
Specific Gravity:
2.8
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named after Josef Florian Vogl (November 6, 1818 Kamenický Šenov - October 1, 1896 in Horní Blatná), Austrian mining official.
A secondary mineral formed from the alteration of Uraninite.
Easily confused with liebigite (Axelrod et al. 1951).
Easily confused with liebigite (Axelrod et al. 1951).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4199
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4199:3
Similar Names
| Voggite | A valid IMA mineral species | Na2Zr(PO4)(CO3)(OH) · 2H2O |
| Vogtite | A synonym of Ferrobustamite |
IMA Classification of Voglite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Ca2Cu2+(U6+O2)(CO3)4·6H2O
First published:
1853
Classification of Voglite
5.EE.05
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
E : UO2:CO3= 1:4
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
E : UO2:CO3= 1:4
15.3.5.1
15 : HYDRATED NORMAL CARBONATES
3 : AmBn(XO3)p·xH2O, with (m+n):p = 1:1
15 : HYDRATED NORMAL CARBONATES
3 : AmBn(XO3)p·xH2O, with (m+n):p = 1:1
11.11.11
11 : Carbonates
11 : Carbonates of Cr and U
11 : Carbonates
11 : Carbonates of Cr and 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Vgl | 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 Voglite
Pearly
Colour:
Bright grass-green, emerald-green
Streak:
Light green
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
{010}
{010}
Density:
2.8 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.06 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Voglite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.541 nβ = 1.547 nγ = 1.564
2V:
Measured: 60° , Calculated: 62°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.023
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 (positive)
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 = Deep bluish green
Y = Deep bluish green
Z = Pale yellowish
Y = Deep bluish green
Z = Pale yellowish
Chemistry of Voglite
Mindat Formula:
Ca2Cu(UO2)(CO3)4 · 6H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Voglite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Cell Parameters:
a = 25.97 Å, b = 24.5 Å, c = 10.7 Å
β = 104°
β = 104°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.06 : 1 : 0.437
Unit Cell V:
6,605.81 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
16
Morphology:
Rhomboidal scales forming coatings.
Twinning:
Lamellar twinning visible when plates turned on edge. Small extinction angles.
Comment:
Point Group: 2/m or 2
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 12.6 Å | (100) |
| 8.70 Å | (100) |
| 9.65 Å | (80) |
| 7.10 Å | (60) |
| 4.32 Å | (50) |
| 6.13 Å | (40) |
| 4.65 Å | (30) |
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 Voglite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Aggregates of bundled scales.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
No designated type material.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Uranium deposit. Oxidation product of uraninite.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Voglite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 18 photos of Voglite associated with Zellerite | Ca(UO2)(CO3)2 · 5H2O |
| 16 photos of Voglite associated with Liebigite | Ca2(UO2)(CO3)3 · 11H2O |
| 6 photos of Voglite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 5 photos of Voglite associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
| 2 photos of Voglite associated with 'Sandstone' | |
| 2 photos of Voglite associated with Goethite | Fe3+O(OH) |
| 2 photos of Voglite associated with Metazellerite | Ca(UO2)(CO3)2 · 3H2O |
| 1 photo of Voglite associated with 'Limonite' | |
| 1 photo of Voglite associated with Chalcocite | Cu2S |
| 1 photo of Voglite associated with Azurite | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.EE.10 | Shabaite-(Nd) | Nd2Ca[(UO2)(CO3)3](CO3)2(H2O)10.5 |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 31.2433% | 7,810,825 | 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:
Soluble in acids with effervescence.
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 Voglite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4199.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Voglite
Reference List:
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.154
Urbanec, Zdeněk, Čejka, Jiří (1979) Infrared spectra of liebigite, andersonite, voglite and schroeckingerite. Collection of Czechoslovak Chemical Communications, 44. 10-23 doi:10.1135/cccc19790010
Frost, Ray L., Čejka, Jiří, Ayoko, Godwin A., Dickfos, Marilla J. (2008) Raman spectroscopic study of the uranyl carbonate mineral voglite. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 39 (3). 374-379 doi:10.1002/jrs.1829
Localities for Voglite
Showing 12 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.
Czech Republic (TL) | |
| Palache et al. (1951) +1 other reference |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) +1 other reference |
France | |
| - (1998) |
| - (1998) | |
Germany | |
| In the collection of Brent Thorne. ... |
| ... |
Poland | |
| Banaś M. |
USA | |
| Galbraith (1959) +1 other reference |
| Meschter (1953) |
| A Listing of North Carolina Minerals- ... | |
| ... | |
| Bullock (1981) |
Quick NavTopAbout VogliteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
White Canyon No. 1 Mine, Fry Mesa, White Canyon Mining District, San Juan County, Utah, USA