Formula: U(PO4)(OH).2.5H2O
Origin of name: for Vyacheslav Melkov (1911-1991), Russian mineralogist
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Crystal class: 2/m 2/m 2/m or mm2
Twinning:
Unit cell: a = 6.96, b = 9.1, c = 12.38
Colour: Green to dark green
Diaphaneity:
Luster:
Habit: crystals tabular, to 8 micron, lamellar, in spherulitic to microcrystalline aggregates in veinlets
Hardness:
Specific gravity: 4.9-5.01
Cleavage: {010} distinct
Tenacity:
Streak: Green
Synonyms/varieties:
Comments: Radioactive
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