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Natrouranospinite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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05623530017271926654093.jpg
Natrouranospinite

Strel'tsovskoe Mo-U ore field, Krasnokamensk, Krasnokamensky District, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia
02199730017271926691872.jpg
Natrouranospinite

Bühlskopf U deposit, Ellweiler, Birkenfeld, Birkenfeld, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
04704150017271926722640.jpg
Natrouranospinite

Eureka mine, Castell-estaó, La Torre de Cabdella, La Vall Fosca, Pallars Jussà, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
05623530017271926654093.jpg
Natrouranospinite

Strel'tsovskoe Mo-U ore field, Krasnokamensk, Krasnokamensky District, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia
02199730017271926691872.jpg
Natrouranospinite

Bühlskopf U deposit, Ellweiler, Birkenfeld, Birkenfeld, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
04704150017271926722640.jpg
Natrouranospinite

Eureka mine, Castell-estaó, La Torre de Cabdella, La Vall Fosca, Pallars Jussà, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
05623530017271926654093.jpg
Natrouranospinite

Strel'tsovskoe Mo-U ore field, Krasnokamensk, Krasnokamensky District, Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia
02199730017271926691872.jpg
Natrouranospinite

Bühlskopf U deposit, Ellweiler, Birkenfeld, Birkenfeld, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Hide all sections | Show all sections

About NatrouranospiniteHide

Formula:
Na2(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 5H2O
Na may be replaced by minor Ca.
Colour:
Lemon-yellow, straw-yellow, yellow-green
Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Waxy, Pearly
Hardness:
2½
Specific Gravity:
3.846
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Name:
Named sodium uranospinite in 1957 by E. V. Kopchenova and K. V. Skvortsova for being the sodium analog of uranospinite. The name was changed to its current form in 2008.
Isostructural with:
Meta-autunite Group
A sodium arsenate member of the meta-autunite group.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
3693
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3693:7

Classification of NatrouranospiniteHide

00572780017683530272384.jpg
The autunite-type sheet

The autunite-type sheet found in members of the meta-autunite group and shared with members of the autunite group.

IMA Classification of NatrouranospiniteHide

IMA status:
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Na2(U6+O2)2(As5+O4)2·5H2O
First published:
1957
Strunz-mindat (2026):
8.EB.15

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
B : UO2:RO4 = 1:1
Dana 8th ed.:
40.2a.6.1

40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
Hey's CIM Ref.:
20.7.2

20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
7 : Arsenates of U

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference for Standard
NuspIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of NatrouranospiniteHide

Lustre:
Sub-Vitreous, Waxy, Pearly
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Lemon-yellow, straw-yellow, yellow-green
Streak:
Pale yellow
Hardness:
2½ on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
{001}, distinct on {010}.
Fracture:
Micaceous
Density:
3.846 g/cm3 (Measured)    3.66 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of NatrouranospiniteHide

Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.612 nε = 1.585
Birefringence:
0.027
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.027
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. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.

Surface Relief:
Moderate (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).

This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic (convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.

For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
X = colorless, Y = Z = yellow.

Chemistry of NatrouranospiniteHide

Mindat Formula:
Na2(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 5H2O

Na may be replaced by minor Ca.
Element Weights:
Element% weight
U49.904 %
O28.512 %
As15.708 %
Na4.820 %
H1.057 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
U
O
As
Na
H
Elements listed:
As, H, Na, O, U - search for minerals with similar chemistry
Common Impurities:
Ca

Crystallography of NatrouranospiniteHide

Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Class (H-M):
4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) - Ditetragonal Dipyramidal
Space Group:
P4/nmm
Setting:
P4/nmm
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.12 Å, c = 8.61 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 1.209
Unit Cell V:
436.48 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
1

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
8.48 Å(100)
5.45 Å(70)
3.68 Å(100)
3.292 Å(90)
1.987 Å(80)
1.837 Å(90)
1.634 Å(80)
Comments:
Bota-Burum U deposit, Kazakhstan. The data are from the type description.

Geological EnvironmentHide

Type Occurrence of NatrouranospiniteHide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Bota-Burum U deposit, Alakol District, Jetisu Region, Kazakhstan
General Appearance of Type Material:
Fibrous to crudely platy crystals in aggregates and crusts.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Moscow, Russia, number 72124-26 (type).
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidized zone of uranium-sulfide deposit hosted by felsite porphyry and tufaceous breccia.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
ArseniosideriteArsenopyriteGalenaMansfielditeMetazeunerite
OrpimentPyriteRealgarScoroditeTrögerite
UraniniteUranophane

Synonyms of NatrouranospiniteHide

Other Language Names for NatrouranospiniteHide

Relationship of Natrouranospinite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Meta-autunite Group
Other Members of Meta-autunite Group:
AbernathyiteK(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/ncc
ArsenosabugaliteH0.5Al0.5(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
Chernikovite(H3O)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
LehneriteMn2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/c
Meta-ankoleiteK2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
Meta-autuniteCa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m)
MetaheinrichiteBa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2 : P21
MetakahleriteFe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
MetakirchheimeriteCo(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
MetalodèviteZn(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OTet. 4/m : P42/m
MetanatroautuniteNa(UO2)(PO4)(H2O)3Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/ncc
MetanováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
MetarauchiteNi(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
MetasaléeiteMg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O
MetatorberniteCu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
MetauranocirciteBa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 7H2OMon. 2 : P21
MetauranospiniteCa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
MetazeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
Trögerite(H3O)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
Uramarsite(NH4)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/mmm
Uramphite(NH4)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm

Common AssociatesHide

Associations Based on Photo Data:
4 photos of Natrouranospinite associated with BaryteBaSO4
1 photo of Natrouranospinite associated with AnnabergiteNi3(AsO4)2 · 8H2O
1 photo of Natrouranospinite associated with UranophaneCa(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

8.EB.Meta-autunite GroupA1-2(UO2)2(TO4)2 · 5-10H2O
8.EB.05RauchiteNi(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.05UranocirciteBa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2OTet.
8.EB.05UranospiniteCa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.05ZeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
8.EB.05MetarauchiteNi(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.05HeinrichiteBa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.EB.05KahleriteFe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
8.EB.05HydronováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.05TorberniteCu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : I4/mmm
8.EB.05NováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m : P21/c
8.EB.05AutuniteCa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10-12H2OOrth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Pnma
8.EB.05SaléeiteMg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m : P21/c
8.EB.05Xiangjiangite(Fe3+,Al)(UO2)4(PO4)2(SO4)2(OH) · 22H2OTet.
8.EB.10BassetiteFe2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m : P21/c
8.EB.10LehneriteMn2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m : P21/c
8.EB.10Meta-autuniteCa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m)
8.EB.10MetasaléeiteMg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O
8.EB.10MetauranocirciteBa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 7H2OMon. 2 : P21
8.EB.10MetauranospiniteCa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
8.EB.10MetaheinrichiteBa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2 : P21
8.EB.10MetakahleriteFe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.10MetakirchheimeriteCo(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.10MetanováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
8.EB.10MetanatroautuniteNa(UO2)(PO4)(H2O)3Tet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/ncc
8.EB.10MetatorberniteCu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
8.EB.10MetazeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
8.EB.10PrzhevalskitePb2(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 3H2OTet.
8.EB.10'Pseudo-autunite'(H3O)4Ca2(UO2)2(PO4)4 · 5H2OOrth.
8.EB.15AbernathyiteK(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/ncc
8.EB.15Uramphite(NH4)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Meta-ankoleiteK2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Trögerite(H3O)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Chernikovite(H3O)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Uramarsite(NH4)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/mmm
8.EB.20ChistyakovaiteAl(UO2)2(AsO4)2(F,OH) · 6.5H2OMon.
8.EB.20ThreadgolditeAl(UO2)2(PO4)2(OH) · 8H2OMon.
8.EB.25Uranospathite(Al,◻)(UO2)2(PO4)2F · 20(H2O,F)Orth. mm2 : Pnn2
8.EB.25ArsenuranospathiteAl(UO2)2(AsO4)2F · 20H2OOrth. mm2 : Pnn2
8.EB.30Vochtenite(Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(UO2)4(PO4)4(OH) · 12-13H2OMon.
8.EB.35CoconinoiteFe3+2Al2(UO2)2(PO4)4(SO4)(OH)2 · 20H2OMon.
8.EB.40RanunculiteHAl(UO2)(PO4)(OH)3 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.EB.45TrianguliteAl3(UO2)4(PO4)4(OH)5 · 5H2OTric.
8.EB.50FurongiteAl13(UO2)7(PO4)13(OH)14 · 58H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.55ArsenosabugaliteH0.5Al0.5(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.55SabugaliteHAl(UO2)4(PO4)4 · 16H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.EB.60Horákite(Bi7O7OH)[(UO2)4(PO4)2(AsO4)2(OH)2] · 3.5H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b

RadioactivityHide

Radioactivity:
Element % Content Activity (Bq/kg) Radiation Type
Uranium (U) 49.9039% 12,475,975 α, β, γ
Thorium (Th) 0.0000% 0 α, β, γ
Potassium (K) 0.0000% 0 β, γ

For comparison:

  • Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
  • Granite: 1,000–3,000 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 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/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: –

DistanceDose rateRisk
1 cm
10 cm
1 m

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 NatrouranospiniteHide

In UV light:
Fluoresces bright yellow green in SW and LW

Other InformationHide

Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

Internet Links for NatrouranospiniteHide

References for NatrouranospiniteHide

Localities for NatrouranospiniteHide

Showing 20 localities.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
Hide all sections | Show all sections

Locality ListHide

- This locality has map coordinates listed. - This locality has estimated coordinates. ⓘ - 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Argentina
 
  • La Rioja Province
    • Vinchina department
      • Jagüé
        • Sierra de Cumichango
          • Quebrada de Cumichango
Las Especies Minerales de La Republica ...
Czech Republic
 
  • Ústí nad Labem Region
    • Chomutov District
Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) +1 other reference
France
 
  • Occitanie
    • Hérault
      • Lodève
        • Le Puech
Caubel (1997)
        • Lodève
- (1998)
Germany
 
  • Rhineland-Palatinate
    • Birkenfeld
      • Birkenfeld
        • Ellweiler
Aufschluss 69/ (7+8) +2 other references
    • Donnersbergkreis
      • Winnweiler
        • Imsbach
Wittern (2001)
        • Winnweiler
Weiß (1990)
  • Saxony
    • Erzgebirgskreis
      • Breitenbrunn
 ...
Lapis 30 (7/8)
Iran
 
  • Isfahan Province
    • Nain County
      • Anarak District
From the collection of Vincent ...
Italy
 
  • Piedmont
    • Cuneo Province
      • Bagnolo Piemonte
Stark et al. (11/2020)
Stark et al. (11/2020)
Kazakhstan (TL)
 
  • Jetisu Region
    • Alakol District
Kopchenova et al. (1957) +5 other references
Mexico
 
  • Guerrero
    • Coyuca de Catalán Municipality
Joan Rosell (2022)
Poland
 
  • Lower Silesian Voivodeship
    • Karkonosze County
      • Kowary
        • Podgórze
Syczewski et al. (2023)
Russia
 
  • Zabaykalsky Krai
    • Krasnokamensky District
      • Krasnokamensk
Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data 2019
Spain
 
  • Catalonia
    • Lleida
      • Pallars Jussà
        • La Vall Fosca
          • La Torre de Cabdella
            • Castell-estaó
MTI Mineralogía Topográfica Ibérica +1 other reference
USA
 
  • Colorado
    • San Juan County
      • Elk Park
Eckel et al. (1997)
  • Utah
    • Grand County
      • Thompsons Mining District
        • Yellow Cat Mesa
Analyzed by Joy Desor.
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