Curite
Curite is a lead uranium oxide mineral with formula: Pb3(UO2)8O8(OH)6·3(H2O). It is named after the physicists Marie and Pierre Curie, who are both known for their work on radioactivity. The type locality is the Shinkolobwe Mine.[1]
| Curite | |
|---|---|
 Curite | |
| General | |
| Category | Oxide mineral |
| Formula (repeating unit) | Pb3(UO2)8O8(OH)6·3(H2O) |
| Strunz classification | 4.GB.55 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Crystal class | Dipyramidal (mmm) H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| Space group | Pnam |
| Unit cell | a = 12.551 Å, b = 7.008 Å, c = 6.983 Å; Z = 2 |
| Identification | |
| Color | Yellow, reddish orange, brownish yellow. |
| Crystal habit | Massive, acicular, compact earthy. |
| Cleavage | {100}, imperfect |
| Tenacity | Brittle |
| Mohs scale hardness | 4-5 |
| Luster | Adamantine |
| Streak | Orange |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent |
| Specific gravity | 6.98 - 7.4 |
| Optical properties | Biaxial (-) |
| Refractive index | nα = 2.060 nβ = 2.110 nγ = 2.150 |
| Birefringence | .090 |
| Pleochroism | Visible: X = b = pale yellow, Y = a = light red-orange, Z = c = dark red-orange |
| 2V angle | 70° |
| Ultraviolet fluorescence | Yes |
| Other characteristics |  |
| References | [1][2] |
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