Beta-uranophane

Formula:  Ca(UO2)2[SiO3(OH)]2 . 5H2O

Origin of name:  From composition and from Greek for to appear

 

Crystal system:  Monoclinic

Crystal class:  2

Twinning:  Common on {001} contact or penetration

Unit cell: a = 15.92 Ǻ, b = 7.01 Ǻ, c = 6.67 Ǻ, β = 97.3°

 

Colour:  Pale yellow, lemon-yellow to yellowish green

Diaphaneity:

Luster:  Vitreous to greasy, pearly on cleavage

Habit:  Crystals prismatic, nearly square cross section, to 8 mm or acicular, hair-like; radiated or tufted aggregates; massive

Hardness:  ~ 2.5

Specific gravity:  3.83

Cleavage:  1; {100} perfect

Tenacity:

Streak:

 

Synonyms/varieties:

 

Comments:  Fluoresces weak yellowish green; luster of fibrous aggregates silky; dimorphous with uranophane

 

 

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