Metatyuyamunite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Metatyuyamunite
Formula:
Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท 3H2O
Previously assumed to have 3-5 water molecules per formula unit.
Colour:
Bright yellow
Lustre:
Resinous, Waxy
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
3.81 - 3.93
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1953 by Alice Mary Dowse Weeks, Mary E. Thompson, and Raymond B. Thompson for prefix meta- indicating a dehydration relationship to tyuyamunite.
Co-Type Localities:
Isostructural with:
Visually indistinguishable from tyuyamunite or similar uranyl vanadates. May spontaneously dehydrate in dry atmosphere from tyuyamunite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
2690
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2690:7
IMA Classification of Metatyuyamunite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
First published:
1953
Classification of Metatyuyamunite
4.HB.25
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
H : V[5,6] Vanadates
B : Uranyl Sorovanodates
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
H : V[5,6] Vanadates
B : Uranyl Sorovanodates
40.2a.26.2
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
21.4.7
21 : Vanadates (and vanadates with arsenate or phosphate)
4 : Vanadates of U, Mn, Fe or Ni
21 : Vanadates (and vanadates with arsenate or phosphate)
4 : Vanadates of U, Mn, Fe or Ni
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMAโCNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mtyu | IMAโCNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMAโCNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Metatyuyamunite
Resinous, Waxy
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Bright yellow
Streak:
Yellow
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Hardness Data:
Mohs hardness reference species
Tenacity:
Sectile
Cleavage:
Perfect
{001}
{001}
Density:
3.81 - 3.93 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.85 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Metatyuyamunite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.620 - 1.680 nβ = 1.835 - 1.842 nγ = 1.865 - 1.899
2V:
Measured: 45° , Calculated: 44°
Birefringence:
0.2
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.245
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 ยตm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 ยตm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
r > v strong
Optical Extinction:
XYZ = cab
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
X = colorless
Y= very pale canary yellow
Z = pale canary yellow
Y= very pale canary yellow
Z = pale canary yellow
Chemistry of Metatyuyamunite
Mindat Formula:
Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท 3H2O
Previously assumed to have 3-5 water molecules per formula unit.
Previously assumed to have 3-5 water molecules per formula unit.
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Metatyuyamunite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) - Dipyramidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.54 Å, b = 8.49 Å, c = 17.34 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.241 : 1 : 2.042
Unit Cell V:
1,551.66 ร
ยณ (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Usually earthy granular, also rhombic platy crystals.
Comment:
Pnam
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 8.51 ร | (100) |
| 5.22 ร | (25) |
| 4.22 ร | (75) |
| 3.77 ร | (25) |
| 3.26 ร | (50b) |
| 3.05 ร | (50b) |
| 2.58 ร | (25) |
Comments:
See also ICDD 43-187
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (Uโถโบ) minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Metatyuyamunite
Co-Type Localities:
General Appearance of Type Material:
Scales and laths, radial aggregates. Massive, compact to cryptocrystalline. Powdery.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Sedimentary uranium deposit
Other Language Names for Metatyuyamunite
German:Metatyuyamunit
Simplified Chinese:ๅ้้้็ฟ
ๅ้้้็ฟ
ๅ้้้็ฟ
Spanish:Metatyuyamunita
Traditional Chinese:่ฎ้ฉ้ฃ้พ็คฆ
ๆบ้ฉ้ฃ้พ็คฆ
ๆบ้ฉ้ฃ้พ็คฆ
Relationship of Metatyuyamunite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Carnotite Group:
| Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท 3H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Margaritasite | (Cs,K,H3O)2(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Metavanuralite | Al(UO2)2(VO4)2(OH) ยท 8H2O | Tric. |
| Sengierite | Cu2(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท 6H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Strelkinite | Na2(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท 6H2O | Orth. |
| Tyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท 5-8H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnna |
| Vanuralite | Al(UO2)2(V2O8)(OH) ยท 11H2O | Mon. 2/m |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 48 photos of Metatyuyamunite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 8 photos of Metatyuyamunite associated with Bokite | (Al,Fe)1.3(V5+,V4+,Fe3+)8O20 ยท 7.5H2O |
| 7 photos of Metatyuyamunite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 6 photos of Metatyuyamunite associated with Chrysocolla | Cu2-xAlx(H2-xSi2O5)(OH)4 ยท nH2O, x < 1 |
| 6 photos of Metatyuyamunite associated with Rauvite | Ca(UO2)2(V10O28) ยท 16H2O |
| 5 photos of Metatyuyamunite associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
| 5 photos of Metatyuyamunite associated with Hewettite | CaV6O16 ยท 9H2O |
| 5 photos of Metatyuyamunite associated with Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท 3H2O |
| 5 photos of Metatyuyamunite associated with Baryte | BaSO4 |
| 4 photos of Metatyuyamunite associated with Sandstone |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.HB.05 | Margaritasite | (Cs,K,H3O)2(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท H2O |
| 4.HB.05 | Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท 3H2O |
| 4.HB.10 | Sengierite | Cu2(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท 6H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Francevillite | Ba(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท 5H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Fritzscheite | Mn(UO2)2(PO4,VO4)2 ยท 10H2O (?) |
| 4.HB.15 | Curienite | Pb(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท 5H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Finchite | Sr(UO2)2(V2O8) ยท 5H2O |
| 4.HB.20 | Vanuralite | Al(UO2)2(V2O8)(OH) ยท 11H2O |
| 4.HB.20 | Metavanuralite | Al(UO2)2(VO4)2(OH) ยท 8H2O |
| 4.HB.25 | Tyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท 5-8H2O |
| 4.HB.30 | Strelkinite | Na2(UO2)2(VO4)2 ยท 6H2O |
| 4.HB.35 | Uvanite | U6+2V5+6O21 ยท 15H2O (?) |
| 4.HB.40 | Rauvite | Ca(UO2)2(V10O28) ยท 16H2O |
| 4.HB.45 | Vandermeerscheite | K2[(UO2)2V2O8] ยท 2H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 55.0956% | 13,773,900 | ฮฑ, ฮฒ, ฮณ |
| Thorium (Th) | 0.0000% | 0 | ฮฑ, ฮฒ, ฮณ |
| Potassium (K) | 0.0000% | 0 | ฮฒ, ฮณ |
For comparison:
- Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
- Granite: 1,000โ3,000 Bq/kg
- EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg
Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 ยตSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 ยตSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.
Interactive Simulator:
Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!
Activity: โ
| Distance | Dose rate | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 1โฏcm | ||
| 10โฏcm | ||
| 1โฏm |
The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).
D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield
Fluorescence of Metatyuyamunite
Not fluorescent in UV
Other Information
Health Risks:
Contains uranium - always wash hands after handling. Avoid inhaling dust when handling or breaking. Never lick or ingest. Avoid prolonged exposure in proximity of the body. Store away from inhabited areas.
Internet Links for Metatyuyamunite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-2690.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Metatyuyamunite
Localities for Metatyuyamunite
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
โ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Argentina | |
| de Brodtkorb (1982) |
| Brodtkorb et al. (3) |
Austria | |
| Exel (1993) |
Canada | |
| Grice et al. (1986) |
China | |
| Shen (n.d.) |
Czech Republic | |
| Lapis 2002 (7/8) |
| Plรกลกil et al. (2014) |
| Sejkora et al. (2007) |
| Cรญlek et al. (zรกpadoฤeskรฉ svrchnรญ proterozoikum) |
| Sejkora et al. (2019) |
DR Congo | |
| erronerously reported +1 other reference |
| Luc Vandenberghe ( XRD Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences) | |
| Deliens (1996) |
| Lhoest et al. (1991) +1 other reference | |
Germany | |
| Kolitsch et al. (2005) +3 other references |
| Steen (2007) |
| Grรถbner et al. (2006) |
| Dennis Harries Collection +1 other reference |
Iraq | |
| Al-Bassam (1990) |
Israel | |
| Gross (1977) |
Italy | |
| Castellaro-Kampf +1 other reference |
| Bersani et al. (2009) | |
| Ravagnani (1974) |
| Marco Bonifazi |
Jordan | |
| Sokol +9 other references |
| Khoury (2014) | |
| Dill et al. (2009) |
Kyrgyzstan | |
| Karpenko et al. (2004) |
| Pavel M. Kartashov specimen and common ... +1 other reference |
| Frondel (1958) | |
Mexico | |
| Panczner (1987) |
| Megaw (2023) |
Middle East | |
| Gross (1977) | |
Namibia | |
| Bowell et al. (2017) |
Niger | |
| www.cnncintl.com (2015) |
Norway | |
| Bjรธrlykke (1959) |
Palestine | |
| Gross (1977) |
Saudi Arabia | |
| Saudi Geological Survey |
Switzerland | |
| Meisser (2012) |
Syria | |
| Fersman Mineralogical Museum (cat. no. 63522) |
UK | |
| J Ralph collection +3 other references |
| Alysson Rowan collection |
USA | |
| Scarborough (1981) |
| Rosenzweig et al. (1954) +2 other references |
| Chenoweth (1994) | |
| Scarborough (1981) |
| Galbraith (1959) +1 other reference | |
| Galbraith (1959) +1 other reference |
| Chenoweth (1991) |
| Page et al. (1956) +2 other references |
| Scarborough (1981) | |
| Galbraith (1959) |
| Austin (1964) +1 other reference |
| Anthony et al. (1995) | |
| Scarborough (1981) | |
| Wenrich (1989) +2 other references |
| Galbraith (1959) +1 other reference |
| Witkind (1963) |
| Witkind (1961) +2 other references |
| Witkind (1961) +1 other reference | |
| Galbraith (1959) +1 other reference |
| Howard +1 other reference |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
| USGS Bull 1042F +1 other reference |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Stern et al. (1956) +1 other reference | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| Bullock (1981) | |
| Bullock (1981) | |
| Bullock (1981) | |
| Bullock (1981) | |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Rocks & Minerals 80:5 pp358-359 |
| Travis Olds collection | |
| Thorne (n.d.) | |
| Excalibur mineral list | |
| In the collection of Alex Earl |
| Heinrich et al. (2004) |
| Morris (1983) |
| Anita Moore-Nall and David R. Lageson (2015) |
| Rocks and Minerals V.74 No.3 p.190 |
| LaPointe et al. (199) |
| Jensen et al. (1995) |
| Jensen et al. (1995) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology ... +2 other references | |
| Moench et al. (1967) | |
| NMGS 38th Field Conference |
| Davis (2000) |
| Davis (2000) | |
| Eur.J.Min 13:135-143 | |
| Northrop et al. (1996) | |
| Weeks | |
| NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology ... |
| Weeks |
| NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology ... | |
| NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology ... +3 other references |
| NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology ... | |
| NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology ... | |
| Hilpert (1969) +1 other reference | |
| Hilpert (1969) +1 other reference | |
| Hilpert (1969) +1 other reference | |
| Northrop et al. (1996) | |
| NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology ... |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| USGS Bull 1063D +1 other reference |
| Roberts et al. (1965) | |
| Roberts et al. (1965) |
| Roberts et al. (1965) | |
| Roberts et al. (1965) | |
| Roberts et al. (1965) | |
| Roberts et al. (1965) | |
| USGS: Geological Survey Circular 359 +1 other reference |
| Dickinson et al. (1976) |
| Onac et al. (2001) |
| Young et al. (1960) |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Bullock (1981) | |
| Collected by and in the collection of ... |
| Collected by Al Wilkins +1 other reference |
| Collected by Michael Cline |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
| Thomspon et al. (1956) +1 other reference |
| U.S. Geological Survey Professional ... +1 other reference |
| U.S. Geological Survey Professional ... +1 other reference | |
| U.S. Geological Survey Professional ... +1 other reference | |
| U.S. Geological Survey Professional ... +1 other reference | |
| U.S. Geological Survey Professional ... +1 other reference | |
| U.S. Geological Survey Professional ... +1 other reference | |
| Page et al. (1956) +2 other references |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
| Carter et al. (1965) +1 other reference | |
| Carter et al. (1965) | |
| Carter et al. (1965) | |
| Collection of Alex Earl | |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Collected by and in the collection of ... | |
| Page et al. (1956) +2 other references |
| Huff et al. (1962) | |
| McCollam (2002) |
| Hausel et al. (2001) |
| Page et al. (1956) +2 other references |
| USGS Bull 1127 |
| Hausel et al. (2001) |
| Hausel et al. (2001) | |
| USGS: Geological Survey Circular 358 |
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Mashamba West Mine, Sicomines copper-cobalt project, Mutshatsha, Lualaba, DR Congo