| Zeunerite | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Category | Arsenate mineral |
| Chemical formula | Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2•10-16(H2O) |
| Strunz classification | 08.EB.05 |
| Dana classification | 40.02a.14.01 |
| Identification | |
| Color | Yellow-green, emerald-green |
| Crystal habit | Crystals flat tabular on {001}, commonly subparallel to micaceous |
| Crystal system | Tetragonal - Ditetragonal Dipyramidal (4/m 2/m 2/m) |
| Cleavage | {001} perfect, {100}, distinct |
| Mohs scale hardness | 2.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Streak | pale green |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent, becoming translucent on dehydration |
| Specific gravity | 3.2 - 3.4 |
| Optical properties | Uniaxial (-) |
| Refractive index | nω = 1.610 - 1.613 nε = 1.582 - 1.585 |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.028 |
| Pleochroism | Visible |
| Other characteristics | Radioactive |
| References | [1][2][3] |
Zeunerite is a green copper uranium arsenate mineral with formula Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2•10-16(H2O). It is a member of the autunite group. Metazeunerite is a dehydration product.
It occurs as a secondary mineral in the oxidized weathering zone of hydrothermal uranium ore deposits which contain arsenic. Olivenite, mansfieldite, scorodite, azurite and malachite are found in association with zeunerite.[1]
It was first described in 1872 for an occurrence in the Schneeberg District, Erzgebirge, Saxony, Germany. It was named for Gustav Anton Zeuner (1828-1907).[2]