Margaritasite

Margaritasite is a yellow, caesium-bearing mineral in the carnotite group. Its chemical formula is (Cs, K, H3O)2(UO2)2V2O8·H2O and its crystal system is monoclinic (space group P21/a[2]).

Margaritasite
General
CategoryCarnotite group
Formula
(repeating unit)
(Cs, K, H3O)2(UO2)2V2O8·H2O
Strunz classification7/E.11-60
Dana classification40.2a.28.2
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal class2/m - Prismatic
Space groupP21/a (no. 14)
Unit cella = 10.514(3) Å, b = 8.425(3) Å, c = 7.252(5) Å β = 106.01°
Identification
ColorYellow
Crystal habitTabular crystals, typically massive
DiaphaneityTranslucent
Specific gravity5.41
Optical propertiesBiaxial (-)
α = [< 1.83] (synthetic). β = 2.49(1) γ = > 2.7
2V angle45.5◦
Other characteristics Radioactive
References[1][2][3]

Name and discovery

It was first described in 1982 from the Margaritas uranium deposit in the Peña Blanca district of the municipality of Aldama, in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.

See also

References

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