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Andersonite

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Drosen, Ronneburg U deposit, Gera, Thuringia, Germany
© Thomas Witzke

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Formula:
Na
 
2
Ca(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
 · 6H
 
2
O
System:TrigonalColour:Bright green to ...
Lustre:VitreousHardness:2½
Name:
For Charles A. Anderson (1902-1990), American geologist, US Geological Survey.
This page provides mineralogical data about Andersonite.

Classification of Andersonite

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Strunz 8th edition ID:5/F.02-40
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:5.ED.30

5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
D : UO2:CO3 = 1:3
Dana 8th edition ID:15.2.5.1

15 : HYDRATED NORMAL CARBONATES
2 : AmBn(XO3)p·xH2O, with (m+n):p > 1:1
Hey's CIM Ref.:11.11.12

11 : Carbonates
11 : Carbonates of Cr and U
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Type Occurrence of Andersonite

Type Locality:Hillside Mine (Happy Jack MS 920 claim; Camp MS 919 claim; Seven Stars MS 916 claim), Bozarth Mesa, Bagdad, Eureka District, Yavapai Co., Arizona, USA
Place of Conservation of Type Material:National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 106112–106115.
Year of Discovery:1948
Geological Setting of type material:Post-mining efflorescences on mine walls.
Associated Minerals at type locality:
SwartziteSchröckingeriteGypsumBayleyite

Occurrences of Andersonite

Geological Setting:An uncommon secondary mineral, formed in the oxidized zone of uranium-bearing hydrothermal polymetallic deposits; may be post-mine, coating walls of mine tunnels.

Physical Properties of Andersonite

Lustre:Vitreous
Diaphaneity (Transparency):Transparent, Translucent
Colour:Bright green to yellow-green.
Hardness (Mohs):2½
Density (measured):2.8 g/cm3
Density (calculated):2.86 g/cm3

Crystallography of Andersonite

Crystal System:Trigonal
Class (H-M):3 - Rhombohedral
Space Group:R3
Cell Parameters:a = 18Å, c = 23.83Å
Ratio:a:c = 1 : 1.324
Unit Cell Volume:V 6,686.51 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:As rhombohedra, pseudocubic or flattened and with complex form development, to 1 cm; typically in crystalline crusts, granular.

Optical Data of Andersonite

Type:Uniaxial (+)
RI values: nω = 1.520 nε = 1.540
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.020

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Low
Pleochroism:Visible
Comments:O = colourless
E = Light yellow

Chemical Properties of Andersonite

Formula:
Na
 
2
Ca(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
 · 6H
 
2
O
Essential elements:C, Ca, H, Na, O, U
All elements listed in formula:C, Ca, H, Na, O, U

Relationship of Andersonite to other Species

Common Associates:
LiebigiteGypsumBoltwooditeBayleyiteBayleyite
Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
5.ED.05Bayleyite
Mg
 
2
(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
 · 18H
 
2
O
5.ED.10Swartzite
MgCa(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
 · 12H
 
2
O
5.ED.15Albrechtschraufite
Ca
 
4
Mg(UO
 
2
)
 
2
(CO
 
3
)
 
6
F
 
2
 · 17H
 
2
O
5.ED.20Liebigite
Ca
 
2
(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
 · 11H
 
2
O
5.ED.25Rabbittite
Ca
 
3
Mg
 
3
(UO
 
2
)
 
2
(CO
 
3
)
 
6
(OH)
 
4
 · 18H
 
2
O
5.ED.35Grimselite
K
 
3
Na(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
 · H
 
2
O
5.ED.40Widenmannite
Pb
 
2
(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
5.ED.45Znucalite
Zn
 
12
Ca(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
(OH)
 
22
 · 4H
 
2
O
5.ED.50Čejkaite
Na
 
4
(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
5.ED.50Agricolaite
K
 
4
(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
11.11.1Stichtite
Mg
 
6
Cr
 
2
(OH)
 
16
[CO
 
3
] · 4H
 
2
O
11.11.2Rutherfordine
(UO
 
2
)CO
 
3
11.11.3Joliotite
(UO
 
2
)CO
 
3
 · nH
 
2
O
11.11.4Grimselite
K
 
3
Na(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
 · H
 
2
O
11.11.5Bayleyite
Mg
 
2
(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
 · 18H
 
2
O
11.11.6Metazellerite
Ca(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
2
 · 3H
 
2
O
11.11.7Zellerite
Ca(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
2
 · 5H
 
2
O
11.11.8Wyartite
CaU
5+
 
(UO
 
2
)
 
2
(CO
 
3
)O
 
4
(OH) · 7H
 
2
O
11.11.9Urancalcarite
Ca(UO
 
2
)
 
3
(CO
 
3
)(OH)
 
6
 · 3H
 
2
O
11.11.10Sharpite
Ca(UO
 
2
)
 
6
(CO
 
3
)
 
5
(OH)
 
4
 · 6H
 
2
O
11.11.11Voglite
Ca
 
2
Cu(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
4
 · 6H
 
2
O
11.11.13Swartzite
MgCa(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
 · 12H
 
2
O
11.11.14Rabbittite
Ca
 
3
Mg
 
3
(UO
 
2
)
 
2
(CO
 
3
)
 
6
(OH)
 
4
 · 18H
 
2
O
11.11.15Kamotoite-(Y)
Y
 
2
(UO
 
2
)
 
4
(CO
 
3
)
 
3
O
 
4
 · 14H
 
2
O
11.11.16Shabaite-(Nd)
Ca(Nd,Sm,Y)
 
2
(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
4
(OH)
 
2
 · 6H
 
2
O
11.11.17Astrocyanite-(Ce)
Cu
 
2
(Ce,Nd,La)
 
2
(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
5
(OH)
 
2
 · 1.5H
 
2
O
11.11.18Bijvoetite-(Y)
(Y,Dy)
 
2
(UO
 
2
)
 
4
(CO
 
3
)
 
4
(OH)
 
6
 · 11H
 
2
O
11.11.19Widenmannite
Pb
 
2
(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
11.11.20Znucalite
Zn
 
12
Ca(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
(OH)
 
22
 · 4H
 
2
O

Other Names for Andersonite

Other Languages:
German:Andersonit
Russian:Андерсонит
Spanish:Andersonita

Other Information

Fluorescence in UV light:Bright pastel green (a unique color)(SW and LW UV).
Other Information:Soluble in water.
Health Warning:Contains uranium - always wash hands after handling. Avoid inhaling dust when handling or breaking. Never lick or ingest. Avoid prolonged exposure in proximity of the body. Store away from inhabited areas.

References for Andersonite

Reference List:

- +
Axelrod, Grimaldi, Milton, and Murata (1951) American Mineralogist: 36: 1-22.

Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, Etc. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, 7th edition, revised and enlarged: 239.

Acta Crystallographica: B37: 1496-1500.

Mereiter, K. (1986c) Neue kristallographische Daten ueber das Uranmineral Andersonit. Anzeiger Österreichen Akademie der Wissenschaften, Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Klasse: 123(3): 39-41.

Kubatko, Karrie-Ann, Katheryn Helean, Alexandra Navrotsky, and Peter C. Burns (2005), Thermodynamics of uranyl minerals: Enthalpies of formation of rutherfordine, UO2CO3, andersonite, Na2CaUO2(CO3)3(H2O)5, and grimselite, K3NaUO2(CO3)3H2O: American Mineralogist: 90: 1284-1290.

Burns, P.C. (2005) U 6+ minerals and inorganic compounds: insights into an expanded structural hierarchy of crystal structures. Canadian Mineralogist: 43: 1839-1894.

Internet Links for Andersonite

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  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
  • American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database
  • Andersonite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
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    • Localities for Andersonite

    The map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.
    Hide Locality List
    (TL) indicates type locality. ? indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality. All other localities listed without reference should be considered as uncertain and unproven until references can be found.
    Argentina
     
    • Mendoza
      • Malargüe Department
        • Pampa Amarilla District
    		Toubes, R.O., Chaar, E. Spikerman, J.P. Minerales radiactivos de la Republica Argentina. 5 Congreso Geologico Argentino, 1: 249-260. 1973; American Mineralogist: 51: 1-13
    Austria
     
    • Lower Austria
      • Industrieviertel
        • Semmering
    		Tufar, W. (1967): Andersonit, ein neuer Uranmineralfund aus Österreich. N. Jb. Mineral., Abh., 106, 191-199.; Huber, S. und Huber, P. (1977): Mineral-Fundstellen Band 8: Oberösterreich, Niederösterreich und Burgenland. C. Weise Verlag, München, 270 pp.
    Czech Republic
     
    • Bohemia (Böhmen; Boehmen)
      • Central Bohemia Region
    		Pauliš P., Kopecký S., Černý P. 2007: Uranové minerály České Republiky a jejich naleziště. 1. část. (Kutna Hora, issue 1)
      • Karlovy Vary Region
        • Krušné Hory Mts (Erzgebirge)
          • Jáchymov (St Joachimsthal) District
    		Lapis 2002(7/8), 63-65
    • Moravia (Mähren; Maehren)
      • Vysočina Region
        • Rožná deposit
    		Petr Pauliš, Stanislav Kopecký, Pavel Černý: Uranové minerály České republiky a jejich lokality 2007; Bull. mineral.-petrolog. Odd. Nár. Muz. (Praha) (2008) 16, 2, 212-216
    France
     
    • Languedoc-Roussillon
      • Hérault
        • Lodève
    		Le Règne Minéral, Hors Série IV (1998)
    Germany
     
    • Thuringia
      • Gera
        • Ronneburg U deposit
    		T. Witzke & F. Rüger: Lapis 1998(7/8), 26-64
    Hungary
     
    • Baranya Co.
      • Mecsek Mts.
    		Szakáll & Jánosi: minerals of hungary, 1995
    Szakáll & Jánosi: Minerals of Hungary, 1995
    Italy
     
    • Trentino-Alto Adige
      • Trento Province
        • Daone
          • Limes
    		Campostrini, I., Demartin, F., Gramaccioli, C.M. (2005): Val Daone. Minerali secondari del giacimento uranifero presso Limes, Daone (TN). Rivista Mineralogica Italiana, 4/2005, 228-240.
    Japan
     
    • Honshu Island
      • Chubu Region
        • Gifu Prefecture
          • Toki city
            • Tsukiyoshi ore deposits
    		The Mineral Species of Japan (5th ed) Matsubara
    Romania
     
    • Bihor Co.
      • Nucet
    		www.minerals-of-the carpathians.eu (2009)
    Slovakia
     
    • Banská Bystrica Region
      • Banská Štiavnica Co.
    		Števko M., Sejkora J., Plášil J. (2012): Supergénna uránová mineralizácia na ložisku Banská Štiavnica (Slovenská republika). Bull. mineral.-petrolog. Odd. Nár. Muz. (Praha), 20, 1, 110-120 (in Slovak with English abstract).
    Spain
     
    • Catalonia
      • Lleida (Lérida)
        • El Pallars Jussà
          • La Torre de Cabdella
            • La Plana de Mont-ros
              • Castell-estaó
    		CMS analysis
    Sweden
     
    • Västmanland
      • Lindesberg
    		No reference listed
    UK
     
    • England
      • Cornwall
        • St Just District
          • St Just
            • Pendeen
    		Elton, N.J. and Hooper, J.J. (1992): Mineralogical Magazine, 56(1), 124-125.
    USA
     
    • Arizona
      • Coconino Co.
        • Cameron District
    		Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 110; Bollin, E.M. & P.F. Kerr (1958), Uranium mineralization near Cameron, AZ, in New Mexico Geol. Soc. Guidebook 9th Field Conf., Black Mesa Basin, northeastern AZ: 164-168.
      • Yavapai Co.
        • Eureka District
          • Bagdad
            • Bozarth Mesa
    		Palache, C., Berman, H., & Frondel, C. (1951), The System of Mineralogy of James Dwight Dana and Edward Salisbury Dana, Yale University 1837-1892, Volume II: 236, 239; Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 365, 387; Frondel, C.C. (1958), Systematic mineralogy of uranium and thorium, USGS Bull. 1064: 119; Dana 7:II:236 & 238; Galbraith, F.W. & D.J. Brennan (1959), Minerals of AZ: 51.
    • Colorado
      • San Miguel Co.
        • Slick Rock District
    		Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckels, E. B.
    • Nevada
      • Lander Co.
        • Reese River District
    		Jensen, M. and J. Herrmann (2012) Uranium mineralization at the Apex Mine, Lander County, Nevada. Rocks and Minerals 87:270-276
    • New Mexico
      • McKinley Co.
    		Northrop, Minerals of New Mexico, 3rd Rev. Ed., 1996
    Northrop, Minerals of New Mexico, 3rd Rev. Ed., 1996
    NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology of the Grants Uranium Region
    NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology of the Grants Uranium Region; Am Min 51:929-930
    NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology of the Grants Uranium Region
    NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology of the Grants Uranium Region
    • Pennsylvania
      • Carbon Co.
        • Jim Thorpe (Mauch Chunk)
    		Arthur Montgomery Mineralogy of Pennsylvania 1922-1965: Supplementing & Updating Gordon’s “The Mineralogy of Pennsylvania"
    • Utah
      • Emery Co.
        • San Rafael District (San Rafael Swell)
          • Delta
    		UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah; Page, L. R.; Stocking, H. E.; Smith, H. B. (1956) Contributions to the geology of uranium and thorium by the United States Geological Survey and Atomic Energy Commission for the United Nations International Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy, Geneva, Switzerland, 1955. USGS Professional Paper 300 pp263-279
      • Grand Co.
        • Moab
    		No reference listed
          • Cane Wash
        • Thompsons District (S. E. Thomsons)
          • Parco Mine Group
    		UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
        • Yellow Cat District (W. part of Thompsons District)
    		Collected by and in the collection of Brent Thorne.
      • San Juan Co.
        • Blanding
    		Rocks & Minerals: 68(6): 398-400.
        • Cane Creek
    		[www.johnbetts-fineminerals.com]
        • Cane Springs
    		Can Min 14:429-436
    UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    Uranium Guidebook for the Paradox; Uranium Guidebook for the Paradox
    Specimen in the British Museum
        • White Canyon District
          • Red Canyon
    		Lehigh Minerals specimen
    Mineral and/or Locality
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