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Liebigite

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Les Mares III, Hérault, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
© Elmar Lackner 2009

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Formula:
Ca
 
2
(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
 · 11H
 
2
O
System:OrthorhombicColour:Green to yellowish-green
Lustre:Vitreous, PearlyHardness:2½ - 3
Name:
For German chemist Justus von Liebig (1803-1873), founder of analytical chemistry.


A secondary uranium mineral.

Classification of Liebigite

IMA status:Valid - first described prior to 1959 (pre-IMA) - "Grandfathered"
Strunz 8th edition ID:5/F.02-70
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:5.ED.20

5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
D : UO2:CO3 = 1:3
Dana 8th edition ID:15.3.2.1

15 : HYDRATED NORMAL CARBONATES
3 : AmBn(XO3)p·xH2O, with (m+n):p = 1:1
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Type Occurrence of Liebigite

Type Locality:Adrianople, Edirne Province, Marmara Region, Turkey
Year of Discovery:1848

Occurrences of Liebigite

Geological Setting:Secondary mineral formed by alkteration of uraninite in alkaline carbonate solutions.

Physical Properties of Liebigite

Lustre:Vitreous, Pearly
Diaphaneity (Transparency):Transparent, Translucent
Comment:Pearly on cleavage {100}
Colour:Green to yellowish-green
Hardness (Mohs):2½ - 3
Cleavage:Imperfect/Fair
On {100}.
Density (measured):2.41 g/cm3
Density (calculated):2.43 g/cm3

Crystallography of Liebigite

Crystal System:Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):mm2 - Pyramidal
Cell Parameters:a = 16.699Å, b = 17.557Å, c = 13.697Å
Ratio:a:b:c = 0.951 : 1 : 0.78
Unit Cell Volume:V 4,015.75 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:8
Morphology:Crystals equant or short prismatic [001], normally indistinct with rounded edges and convex or vicinal faces. Commonly granular or scaly aggregates and thin crusts; botryoidal.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction:
Image Loading

Radiation - Copper Kα
Data Set:
Horizontal Axis: ° to ° Vertical Axis: % Source Data: Filtered Data:
Data courtesy of RRUFF project at University of Arizona, used with permission.

Optical Data of Liebigite

Type:Biaxial (+)
RI values: nα = 1.497 nβ = 1.502 nγ = 1.539
2V:Measured: 37° to 42°
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.042

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Low
Dispersion:moderate r > v
Pleochroism:Visible
Comments:X = Nearly colourless
Y = Light yellowish green
Z = Light yellowish green

Chemical Properties of Liebigite

Formula:
Ca
 
2
(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
 · 11H
 
2
O
Essential elements:C, Ca, H, O, U
All elements listed in formula:C, Ca, H, O, U

Relationship of Liebigite to other Species

Common Associates:
UraniniteSchröckingeriteCarnotiteAutunite
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.25Rabbittite
Ca
 
3
Mg
 
3
(UO
 
2
)
 
2
(CO
 
3
)
 
6
(OH)
 
4
 · 18H
 
2
O
5.ED.30Andersonite
Na
 
2
Ca(UO
 
2
)(CO
 
3
)
 
3
 · 6H
 
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

Other Names for Liebigite

Synonyms:
FlutheriteHebergiteMedjiditeUranothallite
Other Languages:
German:Flutherit
Hebergit
Kalk-Uran-carbonate
Liebigit
Uranothallit
Russian:Либигит
Spanish:Flutherita
Hebergita
Liebigita
Uranotalita

Other Information

Fluorescence in UV light:Green to blue green fluorescence (LW & SWUV).
Other Information:Soluble in H2SO4 with effervescence.
Health Warning:Radioactive

References for Liebigite

Reference List:

- +
Smith (1848) American Journal of Science: 5: 336.

Smith (1851) American Journal of Science: 11: 259.

Vogl (1853) Jahrbuch Geol. Reichsanst., Vienna: 4: 221 (as Kalk-Uran-carbonate).

Lindacker analysis in: Vogl (1856) Gangverh. Mineralreich. Joachimsthal, Teplitz.

Weisbach, Albin (1875) Synopsis mineralogical, systematische Übersicht des Mineralreiches. 78 pp., Freiberg: 48 (as Flutherite).

Schrauf (1882) Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, Leipzig: 6: 410 (as Uranothallite).

Brezina (1890) Annalen des kaiserlich-königlichen naturhistorischen Hofmuseums Wien: 5: 495.

Esper S. Larsen (1917) The probable identity of uranothallite and liebigite. American Mineralogist, 2, #7, 87.

Meixner (1940) Zentralblatt Mineralien: 145.

Evans and Frondel (1950) American Mineralogist: 35: 251.

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: 240-241.

Mereiter, K. (1982a) The crystal structure of liebigite, Ca2UO2(CO3)3·11H2O. Tschermaks Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen (1982): 30: 277-288.

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

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  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
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  • Liebigite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
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    • Localities for Liebigite

    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
      • San Rafael Department
        • Sierra Pintada
    		Raúl Jorge Tauber Larry
    Australia
     
    • South Australia
      • Flinders Ranges
        • North Flinders Ranges
          • Leigh Creek
            • Lyndhurst
              • Nichol Nob
    Austria
     
    • Carinthia
      • Hohe Tauern
        • Malta valley
    		MEIXNER, H. & K. WALENTA (1979): Liebigit, ein für Österreich neues Urancarbonatmineral von der Kölnbreinsperre, Maltatal, Kärnten. Der Karinthin, 81, 152-153.; G. Niedermayr, I. Praetzel: Mineralien Kärntens, 1995
    • Salzburg
      • Hohe Tauern
        • Gastein valley
          • Anlauf valley
    		A. Strasser: Die Minerale Salzburgs, 1989
          • Bad Gastein
    		A. Strasser: Die Minerale Salzburgs, 1989
          • Siglitz - Bockhart area
            • Siglitz - Bockhart Gold Mining District
    		A. Strasser: Die Minerale Salzburgs, 1989
    Canada
     
    • Northwest Territories
      • Mackenzie District
        • Great Bear Lake
    		Rod Tyson, The Port Radium District, Northwest Territories, Canada Mineralogical Record (1989) vol.20. #3, pp 201-208 .
    China
     
    • Shaanxi Province
      • Xi'an Prefecture
        • Lantian Co.
    		Zhang Jianguo, Chen Shaoqing, Rao Sun and Qi Jing (2004). In: IAEA Technical Document 1419.; Zhang Jianguo, Chen Shaoqing, Rao Sun and Qi Jing (2004). In: IAEA Technical Document 1419.
    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)
          • Háje
    		Plášil, J. et al.: Supergenní mineralizace z haldy šachty č. 16 Příbram - Háje. Bulletin mineralogicko-petrografického oddělení Národního muzea v Praze, 2008, vol. 16, 1, 43-55.
      • Karlovy Vary Region
    		Pauliš P., Kopecký S., Černý P. 2007: Uranové minerály České Republiky a jejich naleziště. 1. část. (Kutna Hora, issue 1)
    Plašil J, Sejkora J, Ondruš P, Veselovský F, Beran P, Goliáš V (2006): Supergene minerals in the Horní Slavkov uranium ore district, Czech Republic. Journal of the Czech Geological Society 51, 149-158. ; Sejkora, J. & Plasil, J. (2009): Mineralien aus dem Uranrevier Horni Slavkov. Lapis 34 (7-8), 63-67; 70 (in German).
        • Krušné Hory Mts (Erzgebirge)
          • Jáchymov (St Joachimsthal) District
            • Jáchymov (St Joachimsthal)
    		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: 237.
    Lapis 2002(7/8), 58
      • Liberec Region
        • Harrachov (Harrachsdorf)
    		Bradna, J., Šita, F.: Nálezy minerál na Rýžovišti u Harrachova. Opera Corcontica, 1968, 5, s. 246-247.
      • Plzeň Region
        • Klatovy (Klattau)
    		Pauliš P., Kopecký S., Černý P. 2007: Uranové minerály České Republiky a jejich naleziště. 1. část. (Kutna Hora, issue 1)
      • Ústí Region
        • Krušné Hory Mts (Erzgebirge)
          • Dubí
    		Sejkora, J.: Minerály ložiska Moldava v Krušných horách. Bulletin Mineralogicko-petrografického oddělení Národního muzea v Praze, 1994, roč. 2, s. 110-116.
    • Moravia (Mähren; Maehren)
      • Olomouc Region
        • Javorník (Jauernig)
    		Sejkora, J., Pauliš, P., Škoda, R.: Uranové ložisko Zálesí v Rychlebských horách. Minerál, 2007, roč. 15, č. 4, s. 305-238.
      • Vysočina Region
        • Nové Město na Moravě
    		Pauliš P., Kopecký S., Černý P. 2007: Uranové minerály České Republiky a jejich naleziště. 1. část. (Kutna Hora, issue 1)
    Pauliš P., Kopecký S., Černý P. 2007: Uranové minerály České Republiky a jejich naleziště. 1. část. (Kutna Hora, issue 1)
    Pauliš P., Kopecký S., Černý P. 2007: Uranové minerály České Republiky a jejich naleziště. 1. část. (Kutna Hora, issue 1)
    Petr Pauliš, Stanislav Kopecký, Pavel Černý: Uranové minerály České republiky a jejich lokality. (2007)
    Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre)
     
    • Katanga (Shaba)
      • Katanga Copper Crescent
        • Shinkolobwe
    		M. Deliens
    France
     
    • Languedoc-Roussillon
      • Hérault
    		Le Règne Minéral, Hors Série IV, 1998
        • Lodève
    		[Le Règne Minéral 1997, 13, p.5-18]
      • Lozère
        • Marvejols
          • St Léger-de-Peyre
    		Le Règne Minéral, Hors Série IV, 1998
    Germany
     
    • Baden-Württemberg
      • Black Forest
        • Baden-Baden
          • Müllenbach U deposit
    		K. Walenta: "Die Mineralien des Schwarzwaldes", Weise (Munich), 1992
    • Bavaria
      • Franconia
        • Spessart
          • Hösbach
            • Sailauf
              • Hartkoppe
    		No reference listed
      • Lower Bavaria
        • Bavarian Forest
          • Miltach
            • Altrandsberg
    		S. Weiß: "Mineralfundstellen, Deutschland West", Weise (Munich), 1990
      • Upper Palatinate
        • Oberpfälzer Wald
          • Mähring
            • Uranium deposit
    		Weiss: "Mineralfundstellen, Deutschland West", 1990
    Weiss: "Mineralfundstellen, Deutschland West", 1990
    • Saxony-Anhalt
      • Mansfeld Basin
    		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: 241.
    • Saxony
      • Erzgebirge
        • Johanngeorgenstadt District
    		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: 241.
    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: 241.
        • Schneeberg District
    		Lapis 30(7/8):41-70 (2005)
          • Neustädtel
            • Weißer Hirsch Mine (Shaft 3)
    		Lapis 30(7/8):41-70 (2005)
    • Thuringia
      • Gera
        • Ronneburg U deposit
    		T. Witzke & F. Rüger: Lapis 1998(7/8), 26-64
    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
    		Matsubara (1976) Bulletin of the National Science Museum, 2, 111-114
      • Chugoku Region
        • Tottori Prefecture
    		K. Watanabe (1976) Journal of the Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, 11, 53-113 (in japanese with english summary)
          • Tohgoh-cho
    		S. Matsubara & R. Miyawaki (2006) Catalogue of Japanese Minerals.
    Norway
     
    • Buskerud
      • Krødsherad
        • Krøderen Lake
    		Neumann, H. (1985): Norges Mineraler. Norges geologiske Undersøkelse Skrifter 68, p. 103
    Sweden
     
    • Jämtland
    		No reference listed
    • Västmanland
      • Lindesberg
    		No reference listed
    Turkey
     
    • Marmara Region
      • Edirne Province
    		Smith, J.L. (1848) American Journal of Science: 5: 336; 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: 241..
    UK
     
    • England
      • Cornwall
        • Camborne - Redruth - St Day District
          • Illogan
            • Basset Mines
    		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: 241.
    USA
     
    • Arizona
      • Apache & Navajo Cos.
        • Colorado Plateau
    		Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 277.
      • Yavapai Co.
        • Date Creek Mts
          • Martinez District
            • Congress
    		MRDS database Dep. ID #10027544, MRDS ID #M003323.
    • Colorado
      • Eagle Co.
    		Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckels, E. B.
    Minerals of Colorado (1997)
    Minerals of Colorado (1997)
        • Vail Pass
    		Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
      • Garfield Co.
        • East Rifle Creek area
    		Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels
      • Jefferson Co.
        • Ralston Buttes District
    		Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckel, E. B.
      • Moffat Co.
        • Maybell District
          • Maybell Mines
    		Minerals of Colorado (1997) Eckels, E. B.
      • Saguache Co.
        • Marshall Pass District
    		http://www.minsocam.org/msa/AmMin/TOC/Articles_Free/2004/Catalano_p1004-1021_04.pdf
    • New Mexico
      • McKinley Co.
    		Northrop, Minerals of New Mexico, 3rd Rev. Ed., 1996
          • Ambrosia Lake area
    		NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology of the Grants Uranium Region
      • Sandoval Co.
        • Nacimiento Mountains District
    		NMBMMR Memoir 38 Geology and Technology of the Grants Uranium Region 1979; USGS Open-File Report 79-1510
    Leonard S.Wiener and Sigrid Ballew,1995, Updated by Kenny Gay,2006, A Listing Of North Carolina Minerals,Geologic Note No.4
    • Pennsylvania
      • Carbon Co.
        • Jim Thorpe (Mauch Chunk)
    		Lapham & Geyer, 1965. Mineral Collecting in Pennsylvania
    • Utah
      • Grand Co.
        • Thompsons District (S. E. Thomsons)
    		UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    Van King
      • San Juan Co.
        • Big Indian District (Big Indian Wash - Lisbon Valley Area)
    		UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
        • White Canyon District
          • White Canyon
    • Washington
      • Stevens Co.
        • Spokane Indian Reservation
          • Turtle Lake
    		Cannon, B. (1975): Minerals of Washington, p.53
    • Wyoming
      • Campbell Co.
        • Pumpkin Buttes District
    		U.S. Geological Survey, 2005, Mineral Resources Data System: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.
    U.S. Geological Survey, 2005, Mineral Resources Data System: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.
      • Carbon Co.
        • Baggs-Poison Basin District
    		U.S. Geological Survey, 2005, Mineral Resources Data System: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.
      • Converse Co.
    		Rocks & Minerals 76:385
    U.S. Geological Survey, 2005, Mineral Resources Data System: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.
    U.S. Geological Survey, 2005, Mineral Resources Data System: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.
      • Fremont Co.
    		Rocks & Minerals 76:386
    Rocks & Minerals 76:386
    U.S. Geological Survey, 2005, Mineral Resources Data System: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.
    Am Min 51:1567-1578; 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 pp361-370.
      • Natrona Co.
        • Gas Hills District
    		U.S. Geological Survey, 2005, Mineral Resources Data System: U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia.
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