Neha Patil (Editor)

Johannite

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Category
  
Sulfate mineral

Dana classification
  
31.8.2.1

Formula(repeating unit)
  
Cu[UO2(OH)SO4]2·8H2O

Crystal system
  
Triclinic

Johannite

Strunz classification
  
7.EB.05 (10 ed)VI/D.21-10 (8 ed)

Crystal class
  
Pinacoidal (1)(same H-M symbol)

Johannite is a rare uranium sulfate mineral. It crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system with the chemical composition Cu[UO2(OH)SO4]2·8H2O. It crystallizes in the triclinic system and develops only small prism or thin to thick tabular crystals, usually occurs as flaky or spheroidal aggregates and efflorescent coatings. Its color is emerald-green to apple-green and its streak is pale green.

Contents

Johannite is a strong radioactive mineral with a calculated activity of 87,501,143 Bq/g (to the comparison: natural potassium: 31.2 Bq/g).

Etymology and history

Johannite was first described in 1830 by Wilhelm Karl Ritter von Haidinger. It was named for Archduke John of Austria (1782–1859), the founder of the Landesmuseum Joanneum (Styria, Austria).

Occurrence

Johannite forms as secondary mineral by oxidation from uraninite as well as different other uranium minerals

Localities include Argentina, Czech Republic, France, Gabon, Germany, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. Type locality is the “Elias Mine” in Jáchymov (Czech Republic).

Crystal structure

Johannite crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system in the space group P1 with the lattice parameters a = 8.92 Å, b = 9.59 Å, c = 6.84 Å; α = 110°, β = 111.98°, γ = 100.3° and one formula unit per unit cell.

References

Johannite Wikipedia


Similar Topics