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Weeksite

Formula:
K
 
2
(UO
 
2
)
 
2
(Si
 
2
O
 
5
)
 
3
·4H
 
2
O
System:OrthorhombicColour:Yellow
Hardness:1 - 2
Name:Named after Alice Mary Dowse Weeks (1909-1988), professor of mineralogy, Temple University (Philadelphia, USA).
This page provides mineralogical data about Weeksite.

Classification of Weeksite

IMA status:Approved
Strunz 8th edition ID:8/H.37-10
Nickel-Strunz 10th (pending) edition ID:9.AK.30

9 : SILICATES (Germanates)
A : Nesosilicates
K : Uranyl neso- and polysilicates
Dana 8th edition ID:53.3.2.1

53 : NESOSILICATES Insular SiO4 Groups and Other Anions or Complex Cations
3 : Insular SiO4 Groups and Other Anions of Complex Cations with (UO2)
Hey's CIM Ref.:14.16.5

14 : Silicates not Containing Aluminum
16 : Silicates of U
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Type Occurrence of Weeksite

Type Locality:Autunite #8 claim, Topaz Mountain, Thomas Range, Juab Co., Utah, USA
Year of Discovery:1960

Physical Properties of Weeksite

Lustre:Waxy, Silky
Colour:Yellow
Hardness (Mohs):1 - 2

Crystallography of Weeksite

Crystal System:Orthorhombic
Cell Parameters:a = 14.26Å, b = 35.88Å, c = 14.2Å
Ratio:a:b:c = 0.397 : 1 : 0.396
Unit Cell Volume:V 7,265.41 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)

Optical Data of Weeksite

Type:Biaxial (-)
RI values: nα = 1.596 nβ = 1.603 nγ = 1.606
2V:Measured: 60° , Calculated: 66°
Maximum Birefringence:δ = 0.010

Chart shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:Moderate
Dispersion:r < v weak

Chemical Properties of Weeksite

Formula:
K
 
2
(UO
 
2
)
 
2
(Si
 
2
O
 
5
)
 
3
·4H
 
2
O
Essential elements:H, K, O, Si, U
All elements listed in formula:H, K, O, Si, U
Common Impurities:Al,Fe,Ca,Ba,Na,C

Relationship of Weeksite to other Species

Related Minerals - Nickel-Strunz Grouping):

- +
9.AK.05Soddyite
(UO
 
2
)
 
2
SiO
 
4
·2H
 
2
O
9.AK.10Cuprosklodowskite
Cu(UO
 
2
)
 
2
[HSiO
 
4
]
 
2
· 6H
 
2
O
9.AK.10Oursinite
(Co,Mg)(UO
 
2
)
 
2
[HSiO
 
4
]
 
2
· 6H
 
2
O
9.AK.10Sklodowskite
Mg(UO
 
2
)
 
2
[HSiO
 
4
]
 
2
· 5H
 
2
O
9.AK.15Boltwoodite
(K,Na)(UO
 
2
)[HSiO
 
4
] · 0.5H
 
2
O
9.AK.15Kasolite
Pb(UO
 
2
)[SiO
 
4
] · H
 
2
O
9.AK.15Natroboltwoodite
(H
 
3
O)(Na,K)UO
 
2
SiO
 
4
·H
 
2
O
9.AK.15Uranophane
Ca(UO
 
2
)
 
2
[HSiO
 
4
]
 
2
· 5H
 
2
O
9.AK.15Beta-Uranophane
9.AK.20Swamboite
UH
 
6
(UO
 
2
)
 
6
(SiO
 
4
)
 
6
·30H
 
2
O
9.AK.25Haiweeite
Ca(UO
 
2
)
 
2
[Si
 
5
O
 
12
(OH)
 
2
]·4.5H
 
2
O
9.AK.25Metahaiweeite
Ca(UO
 
2
)
 
2
Si
 
6
O
 
15
·nH
 
2
O
9.AK.25Ranquilite
9.AK.30Coutinhoite
Th
 
x
Ba
 
(1-2x)
(UO
 
2
)
 
2
Si
 
5
O
 
13
·(H
 
2
O)
 
1+y
(0 < x < 0.5 and 0 < y < (2+x))
9.AK.35Ursilite
(Mg,Ca)
 
4
(UO
 
2
)
 
4
(Si
 
2
O
 
5
)
 
5.5
(OH)
 
5
·13H
 
2
O
9.AK.35Magnioursilite
Mg
 
4
(UO
 
2
)
 
4
(Si
 
2
O
 
5
)
 
5
(OH)
 
6
·20H
 
2
O
9.AK.35Calcioursilite
Ca
 
4
(UO
 
2
)
 
4
(Si
 
2
O
 
5
)
 
5
(OH)
 
6
·15H
 
2
O
9.AK.40Uranosilite
UO
 
3
· 7SiO
 
2
Related Minerals - Hey's Index Grouping:

- +
14.16.1Uranosilite
UO
 
3
· 7SiO
 
2
14.16.2Coffinite
(U,Th)[(OH)
 
4x
|(SiO
 
4
)
 
1-x
]
14.16.3Soddyite
(UO
 
2
)
 
2
SiO
 
4
·2H
 
2
O
14.16.4Swamboite
UH
 
6
(UO
 
2
)
 
6
(SiO
 
4
)
 
6
·30H
 
2
O
14.16.6Boltwoodite
(K,Na)(UO
 
2
)[HSiO
 
4
] · 0.5H
 
2
O
14.16.7Natroboltwoodite
(H
 
3
O)(Na,K)UO
 
2
SiO
 
4
·H
 
2
O
14.16.8Cuprosklodowskite
Cu(UO
 
2
)
 
2
[HSiO
 
4
]
 
2
· 6H
 
2
O
14.16.9Sklodowskite
Mg(UO
 
2
)
 
2
[HSiO
 
4
]
 
2
· 5H
 
2
O
14.16.10Uranophane
Ca(UO
 
2
)
 
2
[HSiO
 
4
]
 
2
· 5H
 
2
O
14.16.11β-Uranophane
Ca(UO
 
2
)
 
2
[HSiO
 
4
]
 
2
· 5H
 
2
O
14.16.12Haiweeite
Ca(UO
 
2
)
 
2
[Si
 
5
O
 
12
(OH)
 
2
]·4.5H
 
2
O
14.16.13Metahaiweeite
Ca(UO
 
2
)
 
2
Si
 
6
O
 
15
·nH
 
2
O
14.16.14Thorogummite
(Th,U)[(OH)
 
4x
|(SiO
 
4
)
 
1-x
]
14.16.15Steacyite
([ ],K)(Na,Ca)
 
2
(Th,U)[Si
 
8
O
 
20
]
14.16.16Ekanite
(Ca,Fe
2+
 
,Pb)
 
2
(Th,U)[Si
 
8
O
 
20
]
14.16.17Kasolite
Pb(UO
 
2
)[SiO
 
4
] · H
 
2
O
14.16.18 Orlite
Pb
 
3
(UO
 
2
)
 
3
(Si
 
2
O
 
7
)
 
2
·6H
 
2
O
14.16.19Oursinite
(Co,Mg)(UO
 
2
)
 
2
[HSiO
 
4
]
 
2
· 6H
 
2
O

Other Names for Weeksite

Other Languages:
German:Weeksit
Russian:Уиксит
Spanish:Weeksita

Other Information

Health Warning:Contains uranium. Always wash hands after handling. Do not lick or ingest. Store in an uninhabited area

References for Weeksite

Reference List:Outerbridge W.F., Staatz, M. H., Meyrowitz, R. & Pommer, A. M. (1960), Weeksite, a new uranium silicate from the Thomas Range, Juab Co., UT, American Mineralogist: 45: 39-52.

Doklady Akademii Nauk SSSR: 282(5): 1132-1136.

Jackson, J.M. and Burns, P.C. (2001) A re-evaluation of the structure of weeksite, a uranyl silicate framework mineral. Canadian Mineralogist: 39: 187-195.

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 Weeksite

Search Engines:
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  • External Links:
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  • Look for Weeksite on Athena Mineralogy
  • Look for Weeksite on Wikipedia
  • Look for Weeksite on Mineralien Atlas
  • Raman and XRD data at RRUFF project
  • American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database
  • Search for Weeksite in the Natural History Museum (London) online catalogue
  • Weeksite details from Handbook of Mineralogy (PDF)
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    Localities for Weeksite

    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.
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    (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.
    Australia
     
    • South Australia
      • Flinders Ranges
        • North Flinders Ranges
          • Mt Painter area
            • Radium Ridge
    2003, Brugger, J., Ansermet, S. & Pring, A. ' Uranium minerals from Mt Painter, Northern Flinders ranges, South Australia' Australian Journal of Mineralogy, vol. 9, n°1, pp 15-31
    Austria
     
    • Carinthia
      • Millstatt lake ridge
        • Fresach
          • Laas
    G. Niedermayr, I. Praetzel: Mineralien Kärntens, 1995
    Brazil
     
    • Southeast Region
      • Minas Gerais
        • Doce valley
          • Galiléia
    Bruno Gioia specimen
      • São Paulo
        • São Paulo
    Revista Brasileira de Geociências 24(1):43-51, March 1994
    Czech Republic
     
    • Bohemia (Böhmen; Boehmen)
      • Karlovy Vary Region
        • Krušné Hory Mts (Erzgebirge)
          • Ostrov
    Lapis 2002(7/8), 63-65
        • Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad)
    Pauliš P., Kopecký S., Černý P. 2007: Uranové minerály České Republiky a jejich naleziště. 1. část. (Kutna Hora, issue 1)
      • Plzeň Region
        • Nepomuk (Pomuk)
    Pauliš P., Kopecký S., Černý P. 2007: Uranové minerály České Republiky a jejich naleziště. 1. část. (Kutna Hora, issue 1)
    Germany
     
    • Baden-Württemberg
      • Black Forest
        • Menzenschwand
    Walenta: "Die Mineralien des Schwarzwaldes", Weise (Munich), 1992
    • Bavaria
      • Franconia
        • Spessart Mts
          • Aschaffenburg
            • Dörrmorsbach
    A. Wittern: "Mineralfundorte in Deutschland", Schweizerbart (Stuttgart), 2001
    Japan
     
    • Honshu Island
      • Chugoku Region
        • Tottori Prefecture
    K. Watanabe (1976) Journal of the Faculty of Science, Shinshu University, 11, 53-113 (in japanese with english summary)
    Mexico
     
    • Chihuahua
      • Mun. de Aldama
        • Peña Blanca District
          • Sierra Peña Blanca
    Panczner(1987): 265 & 392.
    Panczner(1987):265 & 392.
    Panczner(1987):392.
    Panczner(1987):392.
    Panczner(1987):392.
    Namibia
     
    • Erongo Region
      • Swakopmund District
        • Arandis
    www.asahi-net.or.jp/~ug7s-ktu/e_weeksi.htm.
    USA
     
    • Arizona
      • Yavapai Co.
        • Date Creek Basin
    Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 155, 418.
        • Weaver Mts
          • Weaver District (Virginia District; Mocking Bird District)
    Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 418.
      • Yuma Co.
        • Muggins Mts
          • Muggins District
            • Muggins Mountains uranium prospects
    Anthony, J.W., et al (1995), Mineralogy of Arizona, 3rd.ed.: 127, 155, 411, 418; Outerbridge, W.F., et al (1960), Weeksite, a new uranium silicate from the Thomas Range, Juab Co., UT, Am.Min.: 45: 39-52; Honea, R.M. (1959), New data on gastunite, an alkalin uranyl silicate, Am.Min.: 44: 1047-1056.
    • California
      • Inyo Co.
        • Coso Mts
    Outerbridge, W.F., et al (1960), Weeksite, a new uranium silicate from the Thomas Range, Juab County, Utah, Am.Min.: 45: 39-52;
      • Lassen Co.
    Am.Min.: 45: 39-52
    • Nevada
      • Humboldt Co.
        • Virgin Valley District
    NBMG Spec Pub 31 Minerals of Nevada
      • Mineral Co.
        • Marietta District
    NBMG Spec Pub 31 Minerals of Nevada
      • Washoe Co.
        • Pyramid District
    NBMG Spec Pub 31 Minerals of Nevada
    • New Mexico
      • Cibola Co.
    Northrop, Minerals of New Mexico, 3rd. rev. ed. (1996)
    Outerbridge, W.F., et al (1960), Weeksite, a new uranium silicate from the Thomas Range, Juab County, Utah, Am.Min.: 45: 39-52;
      • McKinley Co.
    Northrop, Minerals of New Mexico, 3rd Rev. Ed., 1996
    • Pennsylvania
      • Northampton Co.
        • Easton
          • Chestnut Hill
    AmMin.45:39; Am Min. 66:610; Am.Min.: 45: 39-52
    • Texas
      • Live Oak Co.
    R&M 66:3 pp 196-224
      • Presidio Co.
    Am.Min.: 45: 39-52
    • Utah
      • Juab Co.
        • Thomas Range
    UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    Outerbridge, W.F., et al (1960), Weeksite, a new uranium silicate from the Thomas Range, Juab County, Utah, Am.Min.: 45: 39-52; Min.Rec.: 10: 271.
    UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah
    • Wyoming
      • Niobrara Co.
    Outerbridge, W.F., et al (1960), Weeksite, a new uranium silicate from the Thomas Range, Juab County, Utah, Am.Min.: 45: 39-52;
    Mineral and/or Locality
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