Deliensite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Deliensite
Michel Deliens
Formula:
Fe[(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2](H2O)7
Colour:
Pale yellow to grayish white
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
3.268
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
For Dr. Michel Deliens (Etterbeek, Brussels, February 27 1939- ), Royal Belgian Institute of Natural History, Brussels, Belgium. He was involved with the description of 25 new uranium minerals.
This page provides mineralogical data about Deliensite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
6899
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:6899:0
IMA Classification of Deliensite
Classification of Deliensite
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Dli | 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 Deliensite
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Pale yellow to grayish white
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
{100}.
{100}.
Comment:
Tenacity described as 'weak'.
Density:
3.268 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.31 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
Dcalc is based on empirical formula. Using the ideal formula gives 3.26.
Optical Data of Deliensite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.432 nβ = 1.47(2) nγ = 1.492(2)
2V:
Measured: 73° , Calculated: 72°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.060
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:
High (negative)
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, weak.
Optical Extinction:
Parallel. X = a; Y = b; Z = c.
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Comments:
nα was calculated.
Chemistry of Deliensite
Mindat Formula:
Fe[(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2](H2O)7
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Deliensite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mm2 - Pyramidal
Space Group:
Pnn2
Cell Parameters:
a = 15.8514(9) Å, b = 16.2478(7) Å, c = 6.8943(3) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.976 : 1 : 0.424
Unit Cell V:
1775.6 ų
Z:
4
Morphology:
Tabular habit with a pronounced elongation on [001].
Twinning:
Many crystals are twinned with parting along (010).
Comment:
Cell parameters from Plášil et al. (2012).
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.95 Å | (81) |
| 5.90 Å | (100) |
| 4.26 Å | (31) |
| 4.20 Å | (37) |
| 3.94 Å | (71) |
| 3.45 Å | (67) |
| 3.165 Å | (50) |
| 2.893 Å | (41) |
| 2.596 Å | (70) |
| 2.118 Å | (27) |
Comments:
Mas d'Alary village, Occitanie, France. The data are from the type description.
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 Deliensite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Sub-millimetric tabular crystals arranged in spherical aggregates. The crystals have a mean length of 0.35 mm and a width of 0.06-0.15 mm. The spherical aggregates are up to 4 mm in diameter.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Ore in stratiform horizons, as banded lens-like masses. Oxidation zone. Forms as an alteration of uraninite and primary sulfides, with a contribution from the host rocks.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Deliensite
Other Language Names for Deliensite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 4 photos of Deliensite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 4 photos of Deliensite associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
| 2 photos of Deliensite associated with Zippeite Group | |
| 1 photo of Deliensite associated with Rabejacite | Ca(UO2)4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 1 photo of Deliensite associated with 'Pitchblende' | UO2 |
| 1 photo of Deliensite associated with Aragonite | CaCO3 |
| 1 photo of Deliensite associated with Uranophane | Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 1 photo of Deliensite associated with Trögerite | (H3O)(UO2)(AsO4) · 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 | Rietveldite | Fe(UO2)(SO4)2(H2O)5 |
| 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) | 50.2093% | 12,552,325 | 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 Deliensite
Not fluorescent.
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
The TGA curve shows that dehydration and dehydroxylation occur over an extended range between 110 and 500°C, corresponding to a loss of 8.6 wt.%. Between 500 and 800°C, decomposition of the sulfate group takes place, corresponding to a loss of 17.9 wt.%.
Notes:
Readily soluble in dilute HCl.
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 Deliensite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-6899.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 Deliensite
Reference List:
Vochten, R., Blaton, N., Peeters, O. (1997) Deliensite, Fe(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2·3H2O, a new ferrous uranyl sulfate hydroxyl hydrate from Mas D'Alary, Lodève, Hérault, France. The Canadian Mineralogist, 35 (4) 1021-1025
Plášil, J., Hauser, J., Petříček, V., Meisser, N., Mills, S. J., Škoda, R., Fejfarová, K., Čejka, J., Sejkora, J., Hloušek, J., Johannet, J.-M., Machovič, V., Lapčák, L. (2012) Crystal structure and formula revision of deliensite, Fe[(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2](H2O)7. Mineralogical Magazine, 76 (7) 2837-2860 doi:10.1180/minmag.2012.076.7.14
Localities for Deliensite
Showing 23 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 | |
| Jakub Plasil |
| Plášil et al. (2012) | |
| Collection of Alex Earl | |
| Tvrdý et al. (2010) | |
| Desor (04/2022) +1 other reference |
| Plášil et al. (2012) | |
France | |
| Desor (03/2025) |
| Caubel (1998) |
| Favreau (n.d.) |
| Henriot et al. (1998) |
| Vochten et al. (1997) +1 other reference |
| Plášil et al. (2012) |
Germany | |
| Mangold et al. (11/21) +1 other reference |
| Desor (05/2020) +1 other reference |
Hungary | |
| Szakáll-Fehér 2014. |
Italy | |
| Campostrini I. (2013) |
Spain | |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) | |
| Dr. Cesar Menor Salván |
Switzerland | |
| Ansermet et al. (2026) |
USA | |
| Journal of Geosciences (2015) +1 other reference |
| Kampf et al. (2018) | |
| Kampf et al. (2023) |
Quick NavTopAbout DeliensiteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence SynonymsOther LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Uranus Mine, Kleinrückerswalde, Annaberg-Buchholz, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony, Germany