Liebigite

Uranium carbonate mineral
2+1⁄2 – 3LustreVitreous, pearlyDiaphaneityTransparent, translucentSpecific gravity2.41Optical propertiesBiaxial (+)Refractive indexnα = 1.497 nβ = 1.502 nγ = 1.539Birefringenceδ = 0.042PleochroismVisible: X = nearly colourless Y = Z = light yellowish green2V angle37° to 42°Ultraviolet fluorescenceStrong green to blue-green under short and long wave UVOther characteristics RadioactiveReferences[2][3][4]

Liebigite is a uranium carbonate mineral with the chemical formula: Ca2(UO2)(CO3)3·11H2O. It is a secondary mineral occurring in the oxidizing zone of uranium-bearing ores. It is green to yellow green in colour. It has a Mohs hardness of about 3. Liebigite, like some other uranium minerals, is fluorescent under UV light and is also translucent. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, but only rarely forms distinct crystals. It typically forms encrustations or granular aggregates.[2][3][4]

It was first described in 1848 for an occurrence in Adrianople, Edirne Province, Marmara Region, Turkey.[2] It was named for German chemist Justus von Liebig (1803–1873).[4]

References

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ a b c Mindat.org
  3. ^ a b Webmineral data
  4. ^ a b c Handbook of Mineralogy
Authority control databases Edit this at Wikidata
  • Encyclopedia of Modern Ukraine


  • v
  • t
  • e