Abernathyite

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Abernathyite is a rare hydrous uranium oxide mineral with chemical formula K2(UO2)2(AsO4)2·6H2O.[1] It occurs as a secondary fracture filling mineral. It crystallizes in the tetragonal system and forms yellow vitreous tabular crystals with perfect cleavage. It has a specific gravity of 3.3 and a hardness of 2.5.[2]

It was first reported from a Colorado Plateau-type uranium deposit near Moab, Utah. It is named after mine operator Jess Abernathy.[3]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Mineral Handbook http://rruff.geo.arizona.edu/doclib/hom/abernathyite.pdf
  2. ^ http://www.mindat.org/min-3.html Mindat.org
  3. ^ http://www.webmineral.com/data/Abernathyite.shtml Webmineral