Scenicite
A valid IMA mineral species
This page is currently not sponsored. Click here to sponsor this page.
About Scenicite
Formula:
[(UO2)(H2O)2(SO4)]2 · 3H2O
Colour:
Light green-yellow
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
3.497 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named after the Scenic mine, Utah, USA, the type locality.
Structurally (and chemically) related to shumwayite. Chemically also similar to jáchymovite, uranopilite, metauranopilite, and 'UM1985-24-SO:HU'; and to běhounekite (which, however, does not bear the uranyl cation but tetravalent uranium cation).
The structure is based on topologically identical, infinite, neutral chains, that comprise:
* pentagonal bipyramids and
* tetrahedra
The chain formula is [(UO2)(SO4)(H2O)2].
The structure is based on topologically identical, infinite, neutral chains, that comprise:
* pentagonal bipyramids and
* tetrahedra
The chain formula is [(UO2)(SO4)(H2O)2].
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
55608
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:55608:2
Similar Names
| Cenosite | A synonym of Kainosite-(Y) | |
| Szenicsite | A valid IMA mineral species | Cu3(MoO4)(OH)4 |
IMA Classification of Scenicite
Approved
IMA Formula:
[(U6+O2)(H2O)2(S6+O4)]2·3H2O
Approval year:
2021
Approval history:
IMA No. 2021-057
Classification of Scenicite
7.EA.
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
E : Uranyl sulfates
A : Without cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
E : Uranyl sulfates
A : Without 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Sce | 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 Scenicite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Light green-yellow
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Comment:
ca.
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
on {100}; also a good one, on {001}
on {100}; also a good one, on {001}
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Comment:
The fracture is curved.
Density:
3.497 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Scenicite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.556(2) nβ = 1.573(2) nγ = 1.576(2)
2V:
Measured: 45° (3)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.020
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:
Extreme, r < v
Optical Extinction:
Parallel. X = c, Y = a, Z = b.
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = Y = colourless; Z = light green-yellow.
Comments:
Absorption: X = Y < Z
Chemistry of Scenicite
Mindat Formula:
[(UO2)(H2O)2(SO4)]2 · 3H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Scenicite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mm2 - Pyramidal
Space Group:
Pca21
Cell Parameters:
a = 21.214(1) Å, b = 6.8188(3) Å, c = 11.2554(6) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 3.111 : 1 : 1.651
Unit Cell V:
1,628.14 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.69 Å | (70) |
| 5.63 Å | (100) |
| 4.92 Å | (84) |
| 4.80 Å | (93) |
| 3.699 Å | (48) |
| 3.398 Å | (55) |
| 2.791 Å | (43) |
| 2.590 Å | (51) |
Type Occurrence of Scenicite
Co-Type Localities:
General Appearance of Type Material:
Poorly formed blades or prisms, up to 0.1 mm in length.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Mineralogical collections of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA, catalogue nos. 76153 (holotype) and 76154 (cotype).
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidation-related secondary phase, present on granular quartz matrix.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Scenicite
Other Language Names for Scenicite
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.EA.05 | Uranopilite | (UO2)6(SO4)O2(OH)6 · 14H2O |
| 7.EA.05 | Metauranopilite | (UO2)6(SO4)(OH)10 · 5H2O |
| 7.EA.10 | Jáchymovite | (UO2)8(SO4)(OH)14 · 13H2O |
| 7.EA.15 | Shumwayite | (UO2)2(SO4)2 · 5H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 55.4660% | 13,866,500 | 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 Scenicite
Bright greenish-white (405 nm laser).
Other Information
Notes:
Raman bands found attributable to UO22+, SO42- and OH groups.
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 Scenicite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-55608.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 Scenicite
Reference List:
Miyawaki, Ritsuro, Hatert, Frédéric, Pasero, Marco, Mills, Stuart J. (2021) IMA Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification (CNMNC) CNMNC Newsletter No 63. Mineralogical Magazine, 85 (6) 910-915 doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.74
Localities for Scenicite
Showing 2 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.
USA (TL) | |
| Miyawaki et al. (2021) +1 other reference |
| Williams et al. (2014) +1 other reference |
Quick NavTopAbout SceniciteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Scenic mine, Fry Mesa, White Canyon Mining District, San Juan County, Utah, USA