Wölsendorfite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Wölsendorfite
Formula:
Pb7(UO2)14O19(OH)4 · 12H2O
the structure is more complex as the above formula suggests; the new redefinition gives the structural formula of Pb6.07Ca0.68[(UO2)14O18(OH)5]O0.5(H2O)12.6
Pb may be partially substituted for by Ba (up to ~0.5 Ba pfu). Ca seems to be necessary.
Pb may be partially substituted for by Ba (up to ~0.5 Ba pfu). Ca seems to be necessary.
Colour:
Orange-red, bright carmine-red
Hardness:
5
Specific Gravity:
6.8
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named after its discovery locality, Wölsendorf, Bavaria, Germany.
This page provides mineralogical data about Wölsendorfite.
Name Encoding
ASCII-7:
Wolsendorfite
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4308
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4308:9
IMA Classification of Wölsendorfite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Pb2+7(U6+O2)14O19(OH)4·12H2O
First published:
1957
Classification of Wölsendorfite
4.GB.30
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
G : Uranyl Hydroxides
B : With additional cations (K, Ca, Ba, Pb, etc.); with mainly UO2(O,OH)5 pentagonal polyhedra
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
G : Uranyl Hydroxides
B : With additional cations (K, Ca, Ba, Pb, etc.); with mainly UO2(O,OH)5 pentagonal polyhedra
5.4.3.2
5 : OXIDES CONTAINING URANIUM OR THORIUM
4 : AX2O7·xH2O
5 : OXIDES CONTAINING URANIUM OR THORIUM
4 : AX2O7·xH2O
7.16.31
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
16 : Oxides of U
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
16 : Oxides 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wsd | 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 Wölsendorfite
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Orange-red, bright carmine-red
Hardness:
5 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
good on {001}
good on {001}
Density:
6.8(1) g/cm3 (Measured) 6.815 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Wölsendorfite
Type:
Biaxial
RI values:
nα = 2.05 nγ = 2.09
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.040
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:
Very High (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
Dispersion:
r < v strong
Chemistry of Wölsendorfite
Mindat Formula:
Pb7(UO2)14O19(OH)4 · 12H2O
the structure is more complex as the above formula suggests; the new redefinition gives the structural formula of Pb6.07Ca0.68[(UO2)14O18(OH)5]O0.5(H2O)12.6
Pb may be partially substituted for by Ba (up to ~0.5 Ba pfu). Ca seems to be necessary.
the structure is more complex as the above formula suggests; the new redefinition gives the structural formula of Pb6.07Ca0.68[(UO2)14O18(OH)5]O0.5(H2O)12.6
Pb may be partially substituted for by Ba (up to ~0.5 Ba pfu). Ca seems to be necessary.
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Wölsendorfite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm(2/m2/m2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Cmcm
Cell Parameters:
a = 14.131(1) Å, b = 13.885(1) Å, c = 55.969(4) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.018 : 1 : 4.031
Unit Cell V:
10982 ų
Z:
8
Comment:
Previously reported unit cell, a = 11.95, b = 13.99, c = 7.02 A, is possibly a subcell (or that of a polytype?); the most recent ones (Plášil 2020): a = 14.1233(8), b = 13.8196(9), c = 55.7953(12), V = 10890.0(10)
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.09 Å | (100) |
| 3.44 Å | (90b) |
| 1.907 Å | (60) |
| 6.90 Å | (40) |
| 2.734 Å | (30) |
| 2.010 Å | (30) |
| 1.734 Å | (30) |
Comments:
Shinkolobwe, DR Congo. Data from Deliens (1977).
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Wölsendorfite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Crystalline red masses (Bavaria), orange-red crystalline incrustations on pitchblende (Great Bear Lake), orange-red spherulites with pitchblende (Kersdgalec), and small carmine red nodules with secondary uranium minerals (Katanga). Sometimes light orange.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National School of Mines, Paris, France.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Secondary mineral in uranium deposits.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Wölsendorfite
Other Language Names for Wölsendorfite
Dutch:Wölsendorfiet
Russian:Велсендорфит
Simplified Chinese:红铅铀矿
Spanish:Woelsendorfita
Wolsendorfita
Wolsendorfita
Traditional Chinese:紅鉛鈾礦
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 40 photos of Wölsendorfite associated with Uranophane | Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 24 photos of Wölsendorfite associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
| 18 photos of Wölsendorfite associated with Rutherfordine | (UO2)CO3 |
| 11 photos of Wölsendorfite associated with 'Thorian Uraninite' | (U,Th)O2 |
| 10 photos of Wölsendorfite associated with 'Thorogummite' | (Th,U)(SiO4)1-x(OH)4x |
| 9 photos of Wölsendorfite associated with Becquerelite | Ca(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 8H2O |
| 5 photos of Wölsendorfite associated with Fourmarierite | Pb(UO2)4O3(OH)4 · 4H2O |
| 3 photos of Wölsendorfite associated with Masuyite | Pb(UO2)3O3(OH)2 · 3H2O |
| 3 photos of Wölsendorfite associated with Billietite | Ba(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 4-8H2O |
| 3 photos of Wölsendorfite associated with Studtite | [(UO2)(O2)(H2O)2] · H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.GB.05 | Rameauite | K2Ca(UO2)6O6(OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 4.GB.05 | Agrinierite | K2(Ca,Sr)[(UO2)3O3(OH)2]2 · 5H2O |
| 4.GB.05 | Compreignacite | K2(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 7H2O |
| 4.GB.10 | Becquerelite | Ca(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 8H2O |
| 4.GB.10 | Billietite | Ba(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 4-8H2O |
| 4.GB.10 | Protasite | Ba(UO2)3O3(OH)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.15 | Richetite | (Fe3+,Mg)Pb 8.6(UO2)36O36(OH)24 · 41H2O |
| 4.GB.20 | Calciouranoite | (Ca,Ba,Pb)U2O7 · 5H2O |
| 4.GB.20 | Bauranoite | Ba(UO2)2(OH)6 · 1-2H2O |
| 4.GB.20 | Metacalciouranoite | (Ca,Ba,Pb,K2)U2O7 · 2H2O |
| 4.GB.25 | Fourmarierite | Pb(UO2)4O3(OH)4 · 4H2O |
| 4.GB.35 | Masuyite | Pb(UO2)3O3(OH)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.40 | Vandendriesscheite | PbU7O22 · 12H2O |
| 4.GB.40 | Metavandendriesscheite | PbU7O22 · nH2O n < 12 |
| 4.GB.45 | Vandenbrandeite | Cu(UO2)(OH)4 |
| 4.GB.50 | Sayrite | Pb2(UO2)5O6(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 4.GB.55 | Curite | Pb3(H2O)2[(UO2)4O4(OH)3]2 |
| 4.GB.60 | Iriginite | (UO2)Mo2O7 · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.65 | Uranosphaerite | Bi(UO2)O2(OH) |
| 4.GB.70 | Holfertite | CaxU6+2-xTi(O8-xOH4x) · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.75 | Carlosbarbosaite | (UO2)2Nb2O6(OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 4.GB.80 | Gauthierite | KPb[(UO2)7O5(OH)7] · 8H2O |
| 4.GB.85 | Kroupaite | KPb0.5[(UO2)8O4(OH)10] · 10H2O |
| 4.GB.90 | Leesite | K(H2O)2[(UO2)4O2(OH)5] · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.95 | Shinkolobweite | Pb1.333[U5+O(OH)(UO2)5O4.67(OH)5.33](H2O)5 |
| 4.GB.95 | Nollmotzite | Mg[U5+(U6+O2)2O4F3] · 4H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 57.2678% | 14,316,950 | 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
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 Wölsendorfite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4308.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Wölsendorfite
Reference List:
Beddoe-Stephens, B., Secher, K. (1982) Barian wölsendorfite from East Greenland. Mineralogical Magazine, 46 (338) 130-132 doi:10.1180/minmag.1982.046.338.20
Vochten, R., Van Haverbeke, L. (1990) Transformation of schoepite into the uranyl oxide hydrates: Becquerelite, billietite and wölsendorfite. Mineralogy and Petrology, 43 (1) 65-72 doi:10.1007/bf01164222
Burns, Peter C. (1999) A new complex sheet of uranyl polyhedra in the structure of wölsendorfite. American Mineralogist, 84 (10). p.1661-1673. doi:10.2138/am-1999-1021
Burns, Peter C. (2005) U6+ minerals and inorganic compounds: insights into an expanded structural hierarchy of crystal structures. The Canadian Mineralogist, 43 (6) 1839-1894 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.43.6.1839
Localities for Wölsendorfite
Showing 53 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 | |
| Isobe et al. (1992) |
Brazil | |
| Cassedanne (1986) +1 other reference |
Canada | |
| Protas (1957) +1 other reference |
| G.S.C. Bulletin 330. +1 other reference |
China | |
| Carnegie Museum of Natural History ... |
Czech Republic | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Litochleb |
| Ondruš et al. (1989) +1 other reference |
| Hloušek et al. (2002) |
| Möhn et al. (12/2021) | |
| Desor (04/2022) |
| |
| Sejkora (1994) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
DR Congo | |
| 304 [287]. +5 other references |
France | |
| OLLIC Pascal Collection +2 other references |
| R. Pierrot |
| Hohl (1994) |
| - (1998) |
| - (1998) | |
Gabon | |
| Janusz Janeczek (1999) |
Germany | |
| |
| |
| Walenta (1992) | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Protas (1957) +2 other references | |
| Gröbner et al. (2007) +1 other reference |
Greenland | |
| Beddoe-Stephens et al. (1982) |
Italy | |
| Ravagnani (1974) |
Norway | |
| Larsen (2025) |
| Rune S. Selbekk (2010) |
| Knut Eldjarn Collection |
| Larsen. A.O. & Åsheim (2008) |
Russia | |
| Kasatkin (2019) |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
Sweden | |
| |
| |
| |
| Löfvendahl (1981) | |
| Löfvendahl (1981) |
Switzerland | |
| Meisser (2012) |
UK | |
| Elton et al. (1995) |
USA | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| King et al. (1994) |
| King et al. (1994) +1 other reference |
| Finch et al. (1997) |
| Finch et al. (1997) | |
| American Mineralogist +1 other reference |
| Finch et al. (1997) |
| Arthur Montgomery (1957) +1 other reference |
| Chukanov et al. (2004) |
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Shinkolobwe Mine, Shinkolobwe, Kambove Territory, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo