Mineralpedia Details for Uranopilite
Uranopilite
An allusion to its felt-like appearance, Uranopilite is named for the Greek pilos, meaning “felt,” and for its uranium content. Found in several locations, Uranopilite is locally abundant as a secondary mineral formed during the acid conditions produced by the oxidation of sulfides where uraninite is present. It is also possible that Uraopilite is post-mine product. Uranopilite is strongly radioactive and will strongly fluoresce a yellow to yellow-green under short- and long-wave ultraviolet light.
Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/uranopilite.pdf
- Formula
- (UO2)6SO4O2(OH)6·14H2O
- Crystal System
- Triclinic
- Crystal Habit
- Encrustations, Reniform
- Cleavage
- Perfect, None, None
- Luster
- Silky
- Color
- lemon, straw yellow
- Class
- Triclinic - Pinacoidal
- Hardness
- -
- WebMineral
- View Uranopilite
- Mindat
- View Uranopilite
Uranopilite from Apex mine, Lander Co., Nevada, United States
- Special Info
- EDS confirmed, Radioactive!
Flat lying sprays are to about 1mm.
Bright yellow powdery coatings.
Click thumbnail images for larger view.
Uranopilite from Happy Jack mine, White Canyon, San Juan Co., Utah, United States
- Special Info
- Radioactive!!
Yellow spheroidal crystal s to 0.75mm with Brochantite.
Click thumbnail images for larger view.
