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Metastudtite, UO/sub 4/. 2H/sub 2/O, a new mineral from Shinkolobwe, Shaba, Zaire

Journal Article · · Am. Mineral.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5626668
 [1];
  1. Musee royal de l'Afrique centrale, Tervuren, Belgium

Metastudtite occurs at the Shinkolobwe uranium deposit in Shaba, Zaire. It appears as aggregates of flexible pale yellow fibers. Electron microprobe analysis gave UO/sub 4/ 88.1%. H/sub 2/O by TGA approx. 10%. Formula UO/sub 4/.2H/sub 2/O. Powder data are similar to those of the synthetic compound and to those of heated studtite (UO/sub 4/.4H/sub 2/O). Orthorhombic, probable space group Immm, a = 6.51(1), b = 8.78(2), c = 4.21(1)angstrom, Z = 2, d(calc.) = 4.67 mg/cm/sup 3/. Strongest lines in the X-ray powder pattern are 5.22 (100)(110), 3.54 (80) (101), 4.38 (50)(020) and 3.79 (50)(011). The mineral is optically biaxial positive. ..gamma.. = 1.760 (parallel to c, fiber axis), ..beta.. = 1.658 and ..cap alpha.. = 1.640. Metastudtite is associated with uranophane, kasolite and hydrated uranium-lead oxides. Metastudtite is compared with studtite and lepersonnite.

OSTI ID:
5626668
Journal Information:
Am. Mineral.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Mineral.; (United States) Vol. 68:3-4; ISSN AMMIA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English