Weeksite
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Weeksite is a naturally occurring uranium silicate mineral with the chemical formula: K2(UO2)2Si6O15•4(H2O), potassium uranyl silicate. Weeksite has a Mohs hardness of 1–2. It was named for USGS mineralogist Alice Mary Dowse Weeks (1909–1988).[3][4]
Quick Facts General, Category ...
Weeksite | |
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General | |
Category | Silicate mineral |
Formula (repeating unit) | K2(UO2)2Si6O15·4(H2O) |
IMA symbol | Wks[1] |
Strunz classification | 9.AK.30 |
Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
Crystal class | Dipyramidal (mmm) H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
Space group | Pnnb (no. 52) |
Unit cell | a = 14.26 Å, b = 35.88 Å c = 14.2 Å; Z = 16 |
Identification | |
Colour | Yellow |
Crystal habit | Occurs as acicular to elongated bladed crystals, flattened on {010}, also as radiating fibrous clusters and spherulites, pseudotetragonal |
Cleavage | Distinct prismatic |
Mohs scale hardness | 1–2 |
Lustre | Waxy to silky |
Streak | Yellow |
Diaphaneity | Transparent to translucent |
Specific gravity | 4.1 |
Optical properties | Biaxial (−) |
Refractive index | nα = 1.596 nβ = 1.603 nγ = 1.606 |
Birefringence | δ = 0.010 |
Pleochroism | X = colorless; Y = pale yellow-green; Z = yellow-green |
2V angle | Measured: 60° |
Other characteristics | Radioactive greater than 70 Bq/g |
References | [2][3][4] |
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