Rietveldite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Rietveldite
Hugo M. Rietveld
Formula:
Fe(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)5
Colour:
Brownish-yellow
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
3.31
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
Named to honor the Dutch crystallographer Hugo M. Rietveld (7 March 1932, The Hague, Netherlands – 16 July 2016) - the father of the Rietveld refinement: a unique method providing structural data (e.g., unit cell parameters, quantitative phase analysis, etc.) from Powder X-Ray Diffraction patterns.
The Fe analogue of zincorietveldite. Structurally related to svornostite. Chemically related to deliensite and leydetite (the latter being a higher hydrate).
Known as a synthetic compound.
Occurs in association with other post-mining supergene uranyl sulfates and U-free sulfates.
A synthetic Mg analogue is known (Plášil et al., 2026).
Known as a synthetic compound.
Occurs in association with other post-mining supergene uranyl sulfates and U-free sulfates.
A synthetic Mg analogue is known (Plášil et al., 2026).
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
50771
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:50771:2
IMA Classification of Rietveldite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Fe2+(U6+O2)(S6+O4)2(H2O)5
Approval year:
2016
First published:
2017
Type description reference:
Classification of Rietveldite
7.EB.10
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
E : Uranyl sulfates
B : With medium-sized cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
E : Uranyl sulfates
B : With medium-sized cations
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Rvd | 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 Rietveldite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Brownish-yellow
Comment:
Powdery aggregates have yellowish beige color
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Comment:
~2
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
Good on {010}, and fair on {100} and {001}.
Good on {010}, and fair on {100} and {001}.
Density:
3.31 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.37 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Rietveldite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.570(1) nβ = 1.577(1) nγ = 1.586(1)
2V:
Measured: 82° (1), Calculated: 83.3°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.016
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:
Moderate (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:
Very strong (r > v)
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
Exhibits barely noticeable pleochroism in shades of light brownish yellow color, Y < X ≈ Z
Chemistry of Rietveldite
Mindat Formula:
Fe(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)5
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Rietveldite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mm2 - Pyramidal
Space Group:
Pmn21
Setting:
Pmn21
Cell Parameters:
a = 12.9577(9) Å, b = 8.3183(3) Å, c = 11.2971(5) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.558 : 1 : 1.358
Unit Cell V:
1217.7 ų
Z:
4
Morphology:
Thin blades up to 0.5 mm long, elongated on [001] and flattened on {010}.
Comment:
Also given as 6.453, 11.222, 8.276 Å, in non-standard space-group setting Pm21b.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 8.309 Å | (34) |
| 6.477 Å | (100) |
| 5.110 Å | (58) |
| 4.668 Å | (48) |
| 4.653 Å | (36) |
| 3.428 Å | (41) |
| 3.341 Å | (33) |
| 3.238 Å | (49) |
Reference:
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 Rietveldite
Co-Type Localities:
General Appearance of Type Material:
Blades up to 0.5 mm long
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Collections of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, USA (catalogue nr. 66291 and 66292), and the TU Bergakademie Freiberg,Germany (catalogue nr 84140), the National Museum Prague, Prague, Czech Republic, catalogue nr P1N 45564
Reference:
Synonyms of Rietveldite
Other Language Names for Rietveldite
Dutch:Rietveldiet
German:Rietveldit
Relationship of Rietveldite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Rietveldite subgroup:
| Zincorietveldite | Zn(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)5 | Orth. mm2 : Pmn21 |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 4 photos of Rietveldite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 2 photos of Rietveldite associated with Ferricopiapite | Fe3+0.67Fe3+4(SO4)6(OH)2 · 20H2O |
| 2 photos of Rietveldite associated with Strassmannite | Al(UO2)(SO4)2F · 16H2O |
| 1 photo of Rietveldite associated with Bobcookite | NaAl(UO2)2(SO4)4 · 18H2O |
| 1 photo of Rietveldite associated with Shinarumpite | [Co(H2O)6][(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)] · 4H2O |
| 1 photo of Rietveldite associated with 'Asphaltite' | |
| 1 photo of Rietveldite associated with Tamarugite | NaAl(SO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 1 photo of Rietveldite associated with Ferrinatrite | Na3Fe(SO4)3 · 3H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.EB. | Bobcookite | NaAl(UO2)2(SO4)4 · 18H2O |
| 7.EB. | Zincorietveldite | Zn(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)5 |
| 7.EB. | Chenowethite | Mg(H2O)6[(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2] · 5H2O |
| 7.EB.I | Shinarumpite | [Co(H2O)6][(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)] · 4H2O |
| 7.EB. | Alwilkinsite-(Y) | Y(UO2)3(SO4)2O(OH)3(H2O)7 · 7H2O |
| 7.EB. | Gurzhiite | Al(UO2)(SO4)2F · 10H2O |
| 7.EB.05 | Johannite | Cu(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 7.EB.05 | Meitnerite | (NH4)(UO2)(SO4)(OH) · 2H2O |
| 7.EB.10 | Deliensite | Fe[(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2](H2O)7 |
| 7.EB.15 | Strassmannite | Al(UO2)(SO4)2F · 16H2O |
| 7.EB.15 | Leydetite | Fe(UO2)(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 7.EB.15 | Magnesioleydetite | Mg(UO2)(SO4)2 · 11H2O |
| 7.EB.20 | Greenlizardite | (NH4)Na(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 7.EB.25 | Markcooperite | Pb2(UO2)(TeO6) |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 39.1447% | 9,786,175 | 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
Fluorescence of Rietveldite
Does not exhibit fluorescence under either long- or short-wave UV
Other Information
Notes:
Easily soluble in room-temperature H2O
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 Rietveldite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-50771.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Rietveldite
Reference List:
Witzke, T. (1990) Sekundärminerale und Haldenbrandminerale des Döhlener Beckens. Diplomarbeit, Bergakademie Freiberg, Sektion Mineralogie/Geochemie [in German].[as Unnamed Fe-Al uranyl sulphate]
Hålenius, U., Hatert, F., Pasero, M., Mills, S. J. (2016) New minerals and nomenclature modifications approved in 2016, CNMNC Newsletter No 34. Mineralogical Magazine, 80 (7) 1315-1321 doi:10.1180/minmag.2016.080.086
Localities for Rietveldite
Showing 10 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 | |
| Bottrill (2021) |
Czech Republic (TL) | |
| Mineralogical Magazine: 80: 1315–132 +2 other references |
| Sejkora et al. (2019) |
France | |
| Fred Bonnet Collection |
Germany | |
| Draxler et al. (05/2020) |
| Witzke (2016) +1 other reference |
Russia | |
| Kasatkin (2019) |
USA | |
| SEM-EDS and XRD analyzed by Joy Desor |
| Hålenius et al. (2016) +2 other references |
| Kampf et al. (2023) |
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Giveway-Simplot Mine, Red Canyon Mining District, San Juan County, Utah, USA