Name/Title
CuprosklodowskiteEntry/Object ID
2004.1.136Description
Chemical Composition: Cu(UO2)2Si2O7 - 6H2O
Crystal System: Triclinic System
Description: Common Name: Cuprosklodowskite
Group Name: Silicates
Chemistry: Cu(UO2)2Si2O7 - 6H2O
Location: Zaire, West Africa
Description: Brilliant light green with small needle-like crystals in center of a outer rocky matrix. This specimen is RADIOACTIVE!
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Color is dark green.
Luster is vitreous to silky.
Transparency: Crystals are transparent to translucent.
Crystal System: Triclinic; bar 1
Crystal Habits are typically fibrous tufts and crusts. Also acicular crystals in radial aggregates.
Cleavage: perfect in one direction.
Hardness is 4.
Specific Gravity is approximately 3.8 (above average for translucent minerals)
Streak is green.
Associated Minerals are uraninite, dioptase, sklodowskite, Uranophane and brochanitite.
Other Characteristics: Radioactive and fluorescent.
Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, color, locality, radioactivity and fluorescence.
Fracture: perfect
Hardness: 4 Flourite
Luster: Vitreous
Occurrence: Notable Occurrences include Musonoi Mine, Shaba, Zaire; Amelal, Morocco and San Juan Co., Utah.
Cuprosklodowskite is a rare uranium mineral that formed from the oxidation of copper and uranium bearing minerals. Found in good crystals only at one mine at the world famous copper and uranium mines of Shaba, Zaire. The Musonoi Mine produces the worlds supply of the finest cuprosklodowskite specimens. Sklodowskite and uranophane are two closely related minerals that have similar chemistry, structure and crystal habits. Cuprosklodowskite's bright green velvety tufts of hair-like crystals are very attractive and make an impressive mineral specimen. With its rarity and beauty, cuprosklodowskite is much sought after by rare mineral collectors. Remember, this is a radioactive mineral and should be stored away from other minerals that are affected by radioactivity and human exposure should be limited.
Specific Gravity: 3.8
Streak: white
Variety: Sklodowskite and uranophane are two closely related minerals that have similar chemistry, structure and crystal habits.Collection
Suomynona Mineral CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2004.1Source or Donor
Suomynona Mineral CollectionAcquisition Method
DonationDimensions
Width
3-1/2 inDepth
3-1/4 inLength
4 inDimension Notes
Dimension taken at widest pointsLocation
Location
Room
Neil JohnsonBuilding
Attic StorageCategory
PermanentMoved By
Lehman R.Date
August 28, 2009Category
PermanentMoved By
Lehman R.Date
August 28, 2009Notes
Notes: radioactiveLocation
Drawer
Top ShelfShelf
CenterCabinet
Case# 19Wall
WestBuilding
Freida Smith HallCategory
Permanent