Zippeite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Zippeite
Franz Xaver Maximilian Zippe
Formula:
K3(UO2)4(SO4)2O3(OH) · 3H2O
Colour:
Golden yellow, light yellow, orange-yellow
Lustre:
Silky, Dull
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
4.88
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named by William Haidinger in 1845 in honour of František (Franz) Xaver Maximilian Zippe (15 January 1791, Kytlice, Austrian Empire - 22 February 1863, Vienna, Austria), mineralogist.
After attending secondary school in Dresden, Zippe studied philosophy at the Prague University from 1807 to 1809. While still a student, he attended lectures of the chemist Karl August Neumann (1771-1866) and Josef Johann Steinmann (1779-1833), a professor of general chemistry at the Polytechnic Academy in Prague. Zippe developed a close relationship with Dr. Steinmann. Starting in 1819 Zippe taught mineralogy, first as an adjunct, and beginning in 1822 as an assistant professor at the Polytechnic. In 1835, he became a full professor.
Zippe was a close associate of Count Kaspar Maria von Sternberg (after whom sternbergite was named), the founder of the Prague Museum of the Bohemian Kingdom (predecessor of the National Museum in Prague). Zippe, who was known during his youth for his passion for collecting, was one of the first conservators of the Institute. Beginning in March 1819 he described and catalogued the collection and added to it his own self-made crystal models.
In November 1824, Zippe was placed in charge of the mineralogical department of the museum, which position he held until 1842. During this period, he enriched the museum with numerous mineral specimens from his frequent collecting trips which included mining sites in the Giant Mountains, Isergebirge (Jizera) and Altvatergebirge (Hrubý Jeseníky). Beginning in 1833 he worked with Johann Gottfried Sommer on the 16-volume Topography of Bohemia.
In 1846, Zippe became a corresponding member of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences. In 1847, he became one of the first members of the Imperial Academy of Sciences in Vienna. From 31 August 1849 until 1 October 1850, he served as the Director of the Mining Academy at Příbram. Beginning in the Fall of 1850, he taught mineralogy at the University of Vienna.
After attending secondary school in Dresden, Zippe studied philosophy at the Prague University from 1807 to 1809. While still a student, he attended lectures of the chemist Karl August Neumann (1771-1866) and Josef Johann Steinmann (1779-1833), a professor of general chemistry at the Polytechnic Academy in Prague. Zippe developed a close relationship with Dr. Steinmann. Starting in 1819 Zippe taught mineralogy, first as an adjunct, and beginning in 1822 as an assistant professor at the Polytechnic. In 1835, he became a full professor.
Zippe was a close associate of Count Kaspar Maria von Sternberg (after whom sternbergite was named), the founder of the Prague Museum of the Bohemian Kingdom (predecessor of the National Museum in Prague). Zippe, who was known during his youth for his passion for collecting, was one of the first conservators of the Institute. Beginning in March 1819 he described and catalogued the collection and added to it his own self-made crystal models.
In November 1824, Zippe was placed in charge of the mineralogical department of the museum, which position he held until 1842. During this period, he enriched the museum with numerous mineral specimens from his frequent collecting trips which included mining sites in the Giant Mountains, Isergebirge (Jizera) and Altvatergebirge (Hrubý Jeseníky). Beginning in 1833 he worked with Johann Gottfried Sommer on the 16-volume Topography of Bohemia.
In 1846, Zippe became a corresponding member of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences. In 1847, he became one of the first members of the Imperial Academy of Sciences in Vienna. From 31 August 1849 until 1 October 1850, he served as the Director of the Mining Academy at Příbram. Beginning in the Fall of 1850, he taught mineralogy at the University of Vienna.
Note: Many of the specimens that are labeled "zippeite" are actually natrozippeite (the sodium-dominant member of the group), especially those from sedimentary deposits.
Structurally related to redcanyonite.
Structurally related to redcanyonite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4420
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4420:8
Classification of Zippeite
The zippeite-type sheet
The uranyl sulfate sheet topology found in the members of the zippeite group.
IMA Classification of Zippeite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
K2[(U6+O2)4(S6+O4)2O2(OH)2](H2O)4
Type description reference:
7.EC.05
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
E : Uranyl sulfates
C : With medium-sized and large cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
E : Uranyl sulfates
C : With medium-sized and large cations
31.10.4.1
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
10 : Miscellaneous
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
10 : Miscellaneous
25.8.11
25 : Sulphates
8 : Sulphates of Sb, V, Cr and U
25 : Sulphates
8 : Sulphates of Sb, V, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zip | 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 Zippeite
Silky, Dull
Transparency:
Translucent
Comment:
Aggregates dull to silky.
Colour:
Golden yellow, light yellow, orange-yellow
Streak:
White, yellow
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
On {010} probable, perfect.
On {010} probable, perfect.
Density:
4.88 g/cm3 (Measured) 4.794 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Zippeite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.55 - 1.655 nβ = 1.717 nγ = 1.765
2V:
Calculated: 59°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.110 - 0.215
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
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:
strong
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = Nearly colourless
Y = Light yellow to orange-yellow
Z = Deep yellow to orange-yellow
Y = Light yellow to orange-yellow
Z = Deep yellow to orange-yellow
Chemistry of Zippeite
Mindat Formula:
K3(UO2)4(SO4)2O3(OH) · 3H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Zippeite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2 - Sphenoidal
Space Group:
B2
Setting:
C2
Cell Parameters:
a = 8.7524(4) Å, b = 13.9197(7) Å, c = 17.6972(8) Å
β = 104.178(1)°
β = 104.178(1)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.629 : 1 : 1.271
Unit Cell V:
2,090.39 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Crystals flattened {010}. Commonly spindle- or lens-shaped; rhomboidal or lath-like at times. Occurs as delicate crusts, reniform or spheroidal aggregates comprised of microscopic crystals; powdery to earthy.
Twinning:
Probable, observed in synthetic material.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0018658 | Zippeite | Plasil J, Mills S J, Fejfarova K, Dusek M, Novak M, Skoda R, Cejka J, Sejkora J (2011) The crystal structure of natural zippeite, K1.85H+0.15[(UO2)4O2(SO4)2(OH)2](H2O)4, from Jachymov, Czech Republic The Canadian Mineralogist 49 1089-1103 | 2011 | Jachymov, Czech Republic | 0 | 293 | |
| 0005850 | Zippeite | Burns P C, Deely K M, Hayden L A (2003) The crystal chemistry of the zippeite group The Canadian Mineralogist 41 687-706 |  | 2003 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0005849 | Zippeite | Burns P C, Deely K M, Hayden L A (2003) The crystal chemistry of the zippeite group The Canadian Mineralogist 41 687-706 | | 2003 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0005847 | Zippeite | Burns P C, Deely K M, Hayden L A (2003) The crystal chemistry of the zippeite group The Canadian Mineralogist 41 687-706 | | 2003 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0005465 | Zippeite | Vochten R, Van Haverbeke L, Van Springel K, Blaton N, Peeters O M (1995) The structure and physicochemical characteristics of synthetic zippeite The Canadian Mineralogist 33 1091-1101 | | 1995 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.06 Å | (10) |
| 3.50 Å | (9) |
| 3.12 Å | (8) |
| 2.87 Å | (4) |
| 2.65 Å | (4) |
| 2.22 Å | (4) |
| 5.45 Å | (3) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Zippeite
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Synonyms of Zippeite
Other Language Names for Zippeite
Varieties of Zippeite
| Cuprozippeite | A doubtful variety. |
Relationship of Zippeite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Zippeite Group:
| Ammoniozippeite | (NH4)2[(UO2)2(SO4)O2] · H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmca |
| Cobaltzippeite | Co(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Magnesiozippeite | Mg(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Natrozippeite | Na5(UO2)8(SO4)4O5(OH)3 · 12H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/m |
| Nickelzippeite | Ni2(UO2)6(SO4)3(OH)10 · 16H2O | Mon. |
| Plavnoite | K0.8Mn0.6[(UO2)2O2(SO4)] · 3.5H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Pseudojohannite | Cu3(UO2)4(SO4)2O4(OH)2 · 12H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Sejkoraite-(Y) | Y2(UO2)8(SO4)4O6(OH)2 · 26H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Zinczippeite | Zn(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 29 photos of Zippeite associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
| 28 photos of Zippeite associated with Johannite | Cu(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 27 photos of Zippeite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 16 photos of Zippeite associated with 'Sandstone' | |
| 16 photos of Zippeite associated with Andersonite | Na2Ca(UO2)(CO3)3 · 5.33H2O |
| 14 photos of Zippeite associated with Chalcanthite | CuSO4 · 5H2O |
| 12 photos of Zippeite associated with Chalcopyrite | CuFeS2 |
| 12 photos of Zippeite associated with Uranopilite | (UO2)6(SO4)O2(OH)6 · 14H2O |
| 8 photos of Zippeite associated with Boltwoodite | (K,Na)(UO2)(SiO3OH) · 1.5H2O |
| 7 photos of Zippeite associated with Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.EC. | Nitscheite | (NH4)2[(UO2)2(SO4)3(H2O)2] · 3H2O |
| 7.EC. | Beshtauite | (NH4)2(UO2)(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.EC. | Oldsite-(K) | K2Fe2+[(UO2)(SO4)2]2(H2O)8 |
| 7.EC. | Adolfpateraite | K(UO2)(SO4)(OH)(H2O) |
| 7.EC. | Libbyite | (NH4)2(Na2◻)[(UO2)2(SO4)3(H2O)]2 · 7H2O |
| 7.EC. | Seaborgite | LiK2Na6(UO2)(SO4)5(SO3OH)(H2O) |
| 7.EC.05 | Zinczippeite | Zn(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O |
| 7.EC.05 | Cobaltzippeite | Co(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O |
| 7.EC.05 | Nickelzippeite | Ni2(UO2)6(SO4)3(OH)10 · 16H2O |
| 7.EC.05 | Redcanyonite | (NH4)2Mn[(UO2)4O4(SO4)2](H2O)4 |
| 7.EC.05 | Natrozippeite | Na5(UO2)8(SO4)4O5(OH)3 · 12H2O |
| 7.EC.05 | Magnesiozippeite | Mg(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O |
| 7.EC.05 | Ammoniozippeite | (NH4)2[(UO2)2(SO4)O2] · H2O |
| 7.EC.05 | Plavnoite | K0.8Mn0.6[(UO2)2O2(SO4)] · 3.5H2O |
| 7.EC.10 | Rabejacite | Ca(UO2)4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 7.EC.10 | Svornostite-(NH4) | (NH4)2Mg(UO2)2(SO4)4(H2O)8 |
| 7.EC.10 | Svornostite-(K) | K2Mg[(UO2)(SO4)2]2(H2O)8 |
| 7.EC.15 | Sejkoraite-(Y) | Y2(UO2)8(SO4)4O6(OH)2 · 26H2O |
| 7.EC.15 | Marécottite | Mg3(UO2)8(SO4)4O6(OH)2 · 28H2O |
| 7.EC.15 | Hubbardite | Mg(H2O)6[(UO2)2O(OH)(SO4)]2 · 8H2O |
| 7.EC.20 | Pseudojohannite | Cu3(UO2)4(SO4)2O4(OH)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.EC.40 | Bluelizardite | Na7(UO2)(SO4)4Cl(H2O)2 |
| 7.EC.45 | Meisserite | Na5(UO2)(SO4)3(SO3OH)(H2O) |
| 7.EC.45 | Fermiite | Na4(UO2)(SO4)3 · 3H2O |
| 7.EC.45 | Oppenheimerite | Na2(UO2)(SO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 7.EC.50 | Feynmanite | Na(UO2)(SO4)(OH) · 3.5H2O |
| 7.EC.50 | Plášilite | Na(UO2)(SO4)(OH) · 2H2O |
| 7.EC.55 | Geschieberite | K2(UO2)(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.EC.60 | Ottohahnite | Na6(UO2)2(SO4)5(H2O)7 · 1.5H2O |
| 7.EC.65 | Péligotite | Na6(UO2)(SO4)4 · 4H2O |
| 7.EC.70 | Klaprothite | Na6(UO2)(SO4)4 · 4H2O |
| 7.EC.75 | Lussierite | Na10[(UO2)(SO4)4](SO4)2 · 3(H2O) |
| 7.EC.80 | Navrotskyite | K2Na10(UO2)3(SO4)9 · 2H2O |
| 7.EC.85 | Pseudomeisserite-(NH4) | (NH4)2Na4[(UO2)2(SO4)5] · 4H2O |
| 7.EC.90 | Wetherillite | Na2Mg(UO2)2(SO4)4 · 18H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 63.1133% | 15,778,325 | α, β, γ |
| Thorium (Th) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Potassium (K) | 7.7752% | 2,410 | 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
Fluorescence of Zippeite
Green (UV).
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 Zippeite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4420.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Zippeite
Reference List:
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.159
Burns, P. C., Deely, K. M., Hayden, L. A. (2003) The crystal chemistry of the zippeite group. The Canadian Mineralogist, 41 (3). 687-706 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.41.3.687
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 Zippeite
Showing 214 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.
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Ambrosia Lake Mining Sub-district, McKinley County, New Mexico, USA