Wyartite
| Wyartite | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Category | Carbonate minerals |
| Formula (repeating unit) | CaU5+ (UO 2) 2(CO 3)O 4(OH)·7H2O |
| Strunz classification | 5.EA.15 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Crystal class | Disphenoidal (222) Space group: (222) |
| Space group | P212121 |
| Identification | |
| Color | black, violet-black (fresh); yellowish brown, greenish brown (exposed) |
| Luster | vitreous, sub-metallic, dull |
| Diaphaneity | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Other characteristics |  Radioactive |
| References | [1][2] |
Wyartite CaU5+
(UO
2)
2(CO
3)O
4(OH)·7H2O is a uranium bearing mineral named after Jean Wyart (1902–1992), mineralogist at the Sorbonne, Paris. It has greenish-black, black, or violet-black, translucent to opaque orthorhombic crystals.[3] A hardness of 3 - 4 Mohs. Its other names are Ianthinite (of Bignand), Wyartit and Wyartita. It belongs to the uranium carbonate group of minerals. It is found next to rutherfordine in Shinkolobwe, Shaba, Zaire.[3]
Determination of the structure of wyartite provided the first evidence for a pentavalent uranium mineral. Like all uranium minerals it is radioactive.
References