Uranium mineralogy.

Abstract

More than 160 species can be identified that contain essential U, and in many additional species U is known to play a significant role. Formulae, structure type, system and lattice constants are listed for U4+ minerals, U4+-U6+ minerals and U-niobates, -tantalates and -titanates. The minerals uraninite, coffinite, brannerite, ningyoite, lermontovite, U4+ molybdates, U4+ pyrochlores, U4+ columbites, petschekite and liandratite are discussed in more detail, and crystal structures are given in many cases. Nineteen minerals are listed with minor U (probably U4+). Of the U6+ minerals, uranyl oxide hydrates, alkali and alkaline-earth uranyl oxide hydrates, uranyl-silicates, -phosphates, -arsenates, -vanadates, - molybdates, -sulphates, -selenates and -tellurates are described in detail. Finally, the identification of U minerals is discussed. In appendices, x-ray and optical data are given for U minerals.- J.M.H. Dept. of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA, USA.