Uricite

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Uricite
General
Category Mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)		 C5H4N4O3
Strunz classification 10.CA.40
Crystal symmetry Monoclinic - prismatic
H-M symbol: (2/m)
Space group: P 21/a
Unit cell a = 14.46 Å, b = 7.4 Å, c = 6.2 Å; β = 65.2°; Z=4
Identification
Color Yellowish white, colorless, light brown
Crystal system Monoclinic
Mohs scale hardness 1-2
Streak White
Diaphaneity Translucent
Specific gravity 1.85 (calculated)
Optical properties Biaxial
References [1][2][3]

Uricite is a rare organic mineral form of uric acid, C5H4N4O3. It is a soft yellowish white mineral which crystallizes in the monoclinic system.

Discovery and occurrence

It was first described in 1973 for an occurrence in bat guano in Dingo Donga Cave, Eucla, Western Australia.[1] The name is for its composition, anhydrous uric acid. It occurs with biphosphammite, brushite and syngenite at the type locality in Dingo Donga Cave.[2]


References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Uricite on Mindat.org
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Handbook of Mineralogy
  3. ↑ Uricite data on Webmineral


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