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Metarauchite

A valid IMA mineral species
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05222740017272471796415.jpg
Metarauchite

Eduard Mine, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
06757240017272001852788.jpg
Metarauchite

Adam Heber Mine, Neustädtel, Schneeberg, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony, Germany
08534300017272471796724.jpg
Metarauchite

Adam Heber Mine, Neustädtel, Schneeberg, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony, Germany
01425830017271998844405.jpg
Metarauchite

Eduard Mine, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
06757240017272001852788.jpg
Metarauchite

Adam Heber Mine, Neustädtel, Schneeberg, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony, Germany
08534300017272471796724.jpg
Metarauchite

Adam Heber Mine, Neustädtel, Schneeberg, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony, Germany
09396020017271998871143.jpg
Metarauchite

Eduard Mine, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
06757240017272001852788.jpg
Metarauchite

Adam Heber Mine, Neustädtel, Schneeberg, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony, Germany
Hide all sections | Show all sections

About MetarauchiteHide

01425850017272471804087.jpg
Luděk Rauch
Formula:
Ni(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O
Colour:
Yellow to light greenish yellow
Lustre:
Vitreous
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
3.81 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
Named in honor of Luděk Rauch (1 July 1951 - 5 December 1983, Jáchymov, Czech Republic), a Czech mineral collector who died tragically in the Jáchymov mines while collecting. Named according to the autunite group rules, thus 'meta' indicates a dehydrated state, even though metarauchite was described before rauchite.
Dehydrated analogue of rauchite.


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
39220
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:39220:8

Classification of MetarauchiteHide

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 MetarauchiteHide

IMA status:
Approved
IMA Formula:
Ni2+(U6+O2)2(As5+O4)2(H2O)5·3H2O
Approval year:
2008
First published:
2010
Approval history:
2008-050
Type description reference:
Plášil, J., Sejkora, J., Čejka, J., Novák, M., Viñals, J., Ondruš, P., Veselovský, F., Škácha, P., Jehlička, J., Goliáš, V., Hluošek, J. (2010) Metarauchite, Ni(UO2)2(AsO4)2·8H2O, from Jáchymov, Czech Republic and Schneeberg, Germany: a new member of the autunite group. The Canadian Mineralogist, 48 (2) 335-350 doi:10.3749/canmin.48.2.335
Strunz-mindat (2026):
8.EB.05

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
B : UO2:RO4 = 1:1
Dana 8th ed.:
40.2a.31.1

40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+

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

Physical Properties of MetarauchiteHide

Lustre:
Vitreous
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Comment:
locally pearly on (011)
Colour:
Yellow to light greenish yellow
Streak:
Light green to pale yellow strea
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
(011)
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
3.81 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of MetarauchiteHide

Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.625(3) nβ = 1.649(3) nγ = 1.649(3)
2V:
Calculated: 52°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.024
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:
High (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 biaxial acute bisectrix (Bxa) interference figure - the conoscopic view for a grain cut perpendicular to the acute bisectrix, using this mineral's 2V. The two small white dots mark the melatopes - the points where the two optic axes emerge - and are shown only when they fall within the field of view. The coloured bands are isochromatics, and the dark bands are isogyres.

Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Comments:
with β = 1.646, γ = 1.651 and to 23° with β = 1.649, γ = 1.650

Chemistry of MetarauchiteHide

Mindat Formula:
Ni(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
U46.640 %
O31.350 %
As14.680 %
Ni5.750 %
H1.580 %

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

Crystallography of MetarauchiteHide

Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.194(2) Å, b = 9.759(5) Å, c = 13.231(7) Å
α = 75.53(3)°, β = 84.01(3)°, γ = 81.59(3)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.737 : 1 : 1.356
Unit Cell V:
887.53 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Twinning:
multiply twinned along {011}

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals]
47d : [Arsenates, antimonates, selenates, bismuthinates]

Type Occurrence of MetarauchiteHide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Eduard Mine, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
General Appearance of Type Material:
thick tabular crystals with a prevalence of the pinacoid (011)
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Natural History Museum, National Museum, Prague, Czech Republic under the catalogue number P1p 19/2008
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Oxidation of Ag + As + Co + Ni ± Bi and U mineralization
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
ArsenopyriteErythriteGypsumMetazeuneriteNative Bismuth
NickelskutteruditeUraninite
Reference:
Plášil, J., Sejkora, J., Čejka, J., Novák, M., Viñals, J., Ondruš, P., Veselovský, F., Škácha, P., Jehlička, J., Goliáš, V., Hluošek, J. (2010) Metarauchite, Ni(UO2)2(AsO4)2·8H2O, from Jáchymov, Czech Republic and Schneeberg, Germany: a new member of the autunite group. The Canadian Mineralogist, 48 (2) 335-350 doi:10.3749/canmin.48.2.335

Synonyms of MetarauchiteHide

Other Language Names for MetarauchiteHide

Relationship of Metarauchite 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
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
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
NatrouranospiniteNa2(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 5H2OTet. 4/mmm(4/m2/m2/m) : P4/nmm
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:
2 photos of Metarauchite associated with ZeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2O

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.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
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
8.EB.05Xiangjiangite(Fe3+,Al)(UO2)4(PO4)2(SO4)2(OH) · 22H2OTet.
8.EB.10BassetiteFe2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m
8.EB.10LehneriteMn2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
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.15NatrouranospiniteNa2(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 5H2OTet. 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) 46.6399% 11,659,975 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 MetarauchiteHide

Other InformationHide

Notes:
The crystals are readily soluble in cold 10% HCl acid
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 MetarauchiteHide

References for MetarauchiteHide

Localities for MetarauchiteHide

Showing 8 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.
Czech Republic
 
  • Karlovy Vary Region
    • Karlovy Vary District
[AmMin 84:688]
Tvrdý et al. (2010) +1 other reference
Desor (04/2022)
    • Sokolov District
      • Březová
Pauliš et al. (2018)
Germany
 
  • Baden-Württemberg
    • Freiburg Region
      • Rottweil
        • Schenkenzell
          • Wittichen
Markl et al. (2011)
            • Böckelsbach valley
Markl et al. (2011)
  • Saxony
    • Erzgebirgskreis
      • Schneeberg
        • Neustädtel
Plášil et al. (2010) +1 other reference
Russia
 
  • Adygea (Republic of Adygea)
    • Maykopsky District
Victor V. Levitskiy Collection
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