Uranpyrochlore

Formula: (U,Ca,Ce)2(Nb,Ta)2O6(OH,F)

Origin of name: from uranium and pyrochlore

 

Crystal system: Cubic/Isometric, commonly metamict

Crystal class: 4/m 3 2/m

Twinning: Rarely on {111}

Unit cell: a = 10.44

 

Colour: Yellowish brown, red, reddish brown, amber, black

Diaphaneity: Translucent to opaque

Luster: Resinous

Habit: crystals octahedral, modified, massive

Hardness: 4 to 5

Specific gravity: 4.51-4.90

Cleavage: None

Tenacity: Brittle, subconchoidal fracture

Streak: Brownish yellow

 

Synonyms/varieties:  Ellsworthite, hatchettolite

 

Comments:  Radioactive

 

Back to Alphabetical list Colour photos Optical properties/Thin sections SEM images TEM images vibrational spectra description IR spectra Raman spectra N-IR spectra F-IR spectra IES spectra