Parauranophane
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Parauranophane
Formula:
Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O
Colour:
Yellowish-green, yellow, brownish-yellow
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2½ - 3
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Originally named uranophane-β (also appears as β-uranophane and uranophane-beta) as the dimorph of uranophane. Renamed by the IMA in 2022.
Polymorph of:
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4106
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4106:1
IMA Classification of Parauranophane
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA status notes:
Renamed by the IMA
Classification of Parauranophane
9.AK.15
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
A : Nesosilicates
K : Uranyl neso- and polysilicates
9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
A : Nesosilicates
K : Uranyl neso- and polysilicates
53.3.1.9
53 : NESOSILICATES Insular SiO4 Groups and Other Anions or Complex Cations
3 : Insular SiO4 Groups and Other Anions of Complex Cations with (UO2)
53 : NESOSILICATES Insular SiO4 Groups and Other Anions or Complex Cations
3 : Insular SiO4 Groups and Other Anions of Complex Cations with (UO2)
14.16.11
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
16 : Silicates of U
14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
16 : Silicates of U
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Symbol | Source | Reference |
---|---|---|
Urp-β | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Urp | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Physical Properties of Parauranophane
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Yellowish-green, yellow, brownish-yellow
Hardness:
2½ - 3 on Mohs scale
Optical Data of Parauranophane
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.660 - 1.678 nβ = 1.682 - 1.723 nγ = 1.689 - 1.730
2V:
Calculated: 42° to 58°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.029 - 0.052
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 µm 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 µm 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 or r < v
Chemistry of Parauranophane
Mindat Formula:
Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Parauranophane
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/b
Setting:
P21/a
Cell Parameters:
a = 13.96(2) Å, b = 15.44(4) Å, c = 6.63(1) Å
β = 91.38(2)°
β = 91.38(2)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.904 : 1 : 0.429
Unit Cell V:
1,428.63 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
---|---|
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Parauranophane
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Parauranophane
Other Language Names for Parauranophane
Relationship of Parauranophane to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Uranophane Group:
Boltwoodite | (K,Na)(UO2)(SiO3OH) · 1.5H2O | Mon. 2 : P21 |
Natroboltwoodite | Na(UO2)(SiO3OH) · H2O | Orth. 2 2 2 : P21 21 21 |
Uranophane | Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O | Mon. 2 : P21 |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
27 photos of Parauranophane associated with Umohoite | (UO2)MoO4 · 2H2O |
24 photos of Parauranophane associated with Uranophane | Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O |
20 photos of Parauranophane associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
13 photos of Parauranophane associated with Calcurmolite | Ca[(UO2)3(MoO4)2(OH)4](H2O)~5.0 |
12 photos of Parauranophane associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
11 photos of Parauranophane associated with Autunite | Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10-12H2O |
10 photos of Parauranophane associated with Haiweeite | Ca(UO2)2[Si5O12(OH)2] · 6H2O |
10 photos of Parauranophane associated with Baryte | BaSO4 |
9 photos of Parauranophane associated with Fluorite | CaF2 |
9 photos of Parauranophane associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
9.AK. | Orlite | Pb3(UO2)3(Si2O7)2 · 6H2O |
9.AK.05 | Soddyite | (UO2)2SiO4 · 2H2O |
9.AK.10 | Sklodowskite | Mg(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 6H2O |
9.AK.10 | Cuprosklodowskite | Cu(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 6H2O |
9.AK.10 | Oursinite | Co(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 6H2O |
9.AK.15 | Uranophane | Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O |
9.AK.15 | Natroboltwoodite | Na(UO2)(SiO3OH) · H2O |
9.AK.15 | Kasolite | Pb(UO2)(SiO4) · H2O |
9.AK.15 | Boltwoodite | (K,Na)(UO2)(SiO3OH) · 1.5H2O |
9.AK.20 | Swamboite-(Nd) | Nd0.333[(UO2)(SiO3OH)](H2O)~2.5 |
9.AK.25 | Haiweeite | Ca(UO2)2[Si5O12(OH)2] · 6H2O |
9.AK.25 | Metahaiweeite | Ca(UO2)2Si6O15 · nH2O |
9.AK.30 | Weeksite | K2(UO2)2(Si5O13) · 4H2O |
9.AK.30 | Coutinhoite | ThxBa(1-2x)(UO2)2Si5O13 · (H2O)1+y (0 < x < 0.5 and 0 < y < (2+x)) |
9.AK.30 | Barronite | (◻0.5Ba0.5)(UO2)2Si5O12(OH) · 2H2O |
9.AK.35 | Magnioursilite | Mg4(UO2)4(Si2O5)5(OH)6 · 20H2O |
9.AK.35 | Calcioursilite | Ca4(UO2)4(Si2O5)5(OH)6 · 15H2O |
9.AK.40 | Uranosilite | UO3 · 7SiO2 |
Radioactivity
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 Parauranophane
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4106.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 Parauranophane
Reference List:
Stohl, Frances V., Smith, Deane K. (1981) The crystal chemistry of the uranyl silicate minerals. American Mineralogist, 66 (5-6) 610-624
Burns, Peter C. (2005) U6+ minerals and inorganic compounds: insights into an expanded structural hierarchy of crystal structures. The Canadian Mineralogist, 43 (6) 1839-1894 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.43.6.1839
Localities for Parauranophane
Locality List




All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Argentina | |
| Friz |
Australia | |
| Eric Quinter collection |
| Brugger et al. (2003) +1 other reference |
| Bottrill et al. (2008) |
| Jacobson et al. (2007) +1 other reference |
Jacobson et al. (2007) +2 other references | |
Austria | |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Niedermayr et al. (1995) |
| Strasser (1989) |
Brazil | |
| A.M.D.V. Chaves (2005) |
| King (n.d.) |
| Bermanec et al. (2005) +1 other reference |
| D Atencio & R Hypolito () +1 other reference |
Fosfatos e Silicatos Secundários de ... | |
Canada | |
| 162-165. +1 other reference |
| Hewitt (1967) +1 other reference |
| Sabina (1991) |
Sabina (1991) | |
| M et al. (1971) +1 other reference |
Chad | |
| Olivier et al. (2021) |
China | |
| Dahlkamp (2009) |
| Aizhen Wang (1992) |
| Wenle Zeng et al. (2010) |
| Dahlkamp (2009) |
Colombia | |
| Journal of Molecular Structure Volume ... |
Czech Republic | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| [Vestnik Kral. Ceske Spol. Nauk (1935) +1 other reference |
| Pauliš et al. (2004) |
| Sejkora (1994) |
| Sejkora J. et al. (Česká republika) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
Egypt | |
| El Aref et al. (2020) |
Abd El-Naby (2009) | |
Gaafar et al. (2022) | |
| Shalan (2021) |
Hussein et al. (1988) | |
| Ibrahim (2014) |
Finland | |
| N. MARCOS et al. (1999) |
France | |
| - (1998) |
J.-J. Périchaud: "Où trouver les minéraux d'Auvergne" et al. (Clermont-Ferrand) | |
| - (1998) |
J. Geffroy | |
| J. Chervet and G. Branche : ... |
| Yannick Vessely collection |
| Queneau (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| OLLIC Pascal Collection +1 other reference |
| - (1998) |
| Jean-Marc Johannet collection |
| - (1998) |
- (1998) | |
| - (1998) |
| Bariand et al. (1993) +1 other reference |
| |
| J. Geffroy |
| R. Pierrot |
R. Pierrot | |
| R. Pierrot |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Habel (1995) +1 other reference |
| Habel (2006) |
| Lorenz (1998) |
| Thorne (n.d.) |
Dill et al. (2010) | |
| Aufschluss 69/ (7+8) +1 other reference |
| Wittern (2001) |
Wittern (2001) | |
| Weiß (1990) |
| Wittern (2001) |
Greenland | |
| Petersen et al. (1993) |
| geusweb01.geus.dk (n.d.) |
India | |
| Singh et al. (2015) |
| SINGH et al. (2014) |
| Sinha et al. (2018) |
Italy | |
| |
| Castellaro-Kampf |
| Guastoni A. et al. (2016) |
| De Michele (1974) |
| Ref: Daniele Ravagnani - I giacimenti ... +1 other reference |
| Piccoli (2002) +1 other reference |
Marello et al. (2013) +1 other reference | |
| Piccoli et al. (2007) |
| Albertini (2000) +1 other reference |
| Olmi F. |
| Gamboni A. |
Japan | |
| K. Watanabe (1976) |
| Royal Ontario Museum specimen |
Mexico | |
| George-Aniel et al. (1991) +1 other reference |
www.swri.org (2001) +1 other reference | |
S. J. Mills data (Ray Hill specimen) | |
Namibia | |
| von Bezing (2007) |
www.rossing.com (1999) +2 other references | |
von Bezing (2007) | |
| E. Schnaitmann et al. (2008) |
Ashworth (2014) | |
Norway | |
| Åmli (1975) |
| Husdal (2008) |
| Husdal (2008) |
| Nesby (1989) |
Poland | |
| Syczewski et al. (2023) |
| Pieczka A. +1 other reference |
Russia | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
Slovenia | |
| Dolenec (1985) |
South Africa | |
| Cairncross et al. (1995) |
Spain | |
| www.foro-minerales.com (2020) |
Sweden | |
| Gregori |
| |
| |
| Shaikh-Persson-Sundberg-Wik: SGU Rep. ... |
| |
| Welin (1965) |
| |
| |
Switzerland | |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| pers. comm. with Silvio Lareida |
| Kipfer et al. (1979) +1 other reference |
| Ansermet (2012) |
| Meisser (2012) |
| Meisser (2012) |
| Meisser (2012) |
Ukraine | |
| Dudar et al. (2018) |
Dudar et al. (2018) | |
USA | |
| - (2008) +1 other reference |
| Bollin (1958) +3 other references |
Austin (1964) +1 other reference | |
| Granger (1969) +1 other reference |
| Granger (1969) +1 other reference |
| Granger (1969) +1 other reference |
| Murdoch (1966) |
| Hewett et al. (1969) +3 other references |
| Otton +4 other references |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data (2011) |
| 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) |
| Cook (1978) |
Cook (1978) | |
| Vandall King |
King (2009) | |
| King et al. (1994) +1 other reference |
King et al. (6) | |
| Am Min (1957) |
| Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology ... |
| Korzeb +2 other references |
| Rocks & Minerals (Sept/Oct 1981) +1 other reference |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Jensen (1978) |
| Vandall King |
| ... |
| King (n.d.) |
USGS Trace Elements Investigation ... +1 other reference | |
| Lapham et al. (1965) |
| Smith and Hioff (1984) |
| Smith et al. (2000) |
| King (n.d.) |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Bullock (1981) |
SLIDES OF THE FLUORSPAR | |
Bullock (1981) | |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Min News 17:7 p1 |
| Bullock (1981) |
| Travis Olds analysis |
Zimbabwe | |
| Gallagher (1967) |
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