Rutherfordine
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Ernest Rutherford, 1st Baron Rutherford of Nelson
Formula:
(UO2)CO3
System:
Orthorhombic
Colour:
Pale brownish-yellow, ...
Lustre:
Silky, Dull
Name:
Named by W. Marckwald in 1906 in honor of Ernest Rutherford (30 August 1871, Brightwater, New Zealand - 19 October 1937, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom), atomic physicist. He made tremedous discoveries in nuclear physics including discovering the concept of radioactive half-life, proving that radioactivity involves the transmutation of one element into another, differentiating and naming alpha and beta radiation, discovering and naming the proton, and developing the Rutherford model of the atom (i.e. an atom with a small nucleus). He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908 and the element rutherfordium is named in his honor.
This page provides mineralogical data about Rutherfordine.
Classification of Rutherfordine
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
5/F.01-10
5.EB.05
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
B : UO2:CO3 = 1:1
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
B : UO2:CO3 = 1:1
14.1.4.1
14 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL CARBONATES
1 : A(XO3)
14 : ANHYDROUS NORMAL CARBONATES
1 : A(XO3)
11.11.2
11 : Carbonates
11 : Carbonates of Cr and U
11 : Carbonates
11 : Carbonates of Cr and U
Physical Properties of Rutherfordine
Silky, Dull
Diaphaneity (Transparency):
Transparent
Comment:
Silky if fibrous
Colour:
Pale brownish-yellow, yellow to orange, yellowish green
Streak:
White
Cleavage:
Perfect
Perfect on {010}
less perfect on {001}
Perfect on {010}
less perfect on {001}
Density:
5.7 g/cm3 (Measured) 5.682 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Rutherfordine
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.700 - 1.723 nβ = 1.716 - 1.730 nγ = 1.755 - 1.795
2V:
Calculated: 53°
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.055 - 0.072
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness) and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
High
Dispersion:
relatively strong
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X= colorless
Y= pale yellow
Z= pale greenish yellow
Y= pale yellow
Z= pale greenish yellow
Chemical Properties of Rutherfordine
Formula:
(UO2)CO3
Elements listed in formula:
Crystallography of Rutherfordine
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mm2 - Pyramidal
Space Group:
Imm2
Cell Parameters:
a = 4.840 Å, b = 9.273 Å, c = 4.298 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.522 : 1 : 0.463
Unit Cell Volume:
V 192.90 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Acicular needles.
Occurrences of Rutherfordine
Type Occurrence of Rutherfordine
General Appearance of Type Material:
Pulverulent masses composed of minute matted fibers, pseudomorphic after uraninite.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Smithsonian
Relationship of Rutherfordine to other Species
| 5.EB.10 | Blatonite | (UO2)CO3 · H2O |
| 5.EB.15 | Joliotite | (UO2)CO3 · nH2O |
| 5.EB.20 | Bijvoetite-(Y) | Y8(UO2)16(CO3)16O8(OH)8 · 39H2O |
| 11.11.1 | Stichtite | Mg6Cr23+(OH)16[CO3] · 4H2O |
| 11.11.3 | Joliotite | (UO2)CO3 · nH2O |
| 11.11.4 | Grimselite | K3Na(UO2)(CO3)3 · H2O |
| 11.11.5 | Bayleyite | Mg2(UO2)(CO3)3 · 18H2O |
| 11.11.6 | Metazellerite | Ca(UO2)(CO3)2 · 3H2O |
| 11.11.7 | Zellerite | Ca(UO2)(CO3)2 · 5H2O |
| 11.11.8 | Wyartite | CaU5+(UO2)2(CO3)O4(OH) · 7H2O |
| 11.11.9 | Urancalcarite | Ca(UO2)3(CO3)(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 11.11.10 | Sharpite | Ca(UO2)6(CO3)5(OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 11.11.11 | Voglite | Ca2Cu(UO2)(CO3)4 · 6H2O |
| 11.11.12 | Andersonite | Na2Ca(UO2)(CO3)3 · 6H2O |
| 11.11.13 | Swartzite | MgCa(UO2)(CO3)3 · 12H2O |
| 11.11.14 | Rabbittite | Ca3Mg3(UO2)2(CO3)6(OH)4 · 18H2O |
| 11.11.15 | Kamotoite-(Y) | Y2(UO2)4(CO3)3O4 · 14H2O |
| 11.11.16 | Shabaite-(Nd) | Ca(Nd,Sm,Y)2(UO2)(CO3)4(OH)2 · 6H2O |
| 11.11.17 | Astrocyanite-(Ce) | Cu2(Ce,Nd,La)2(UO2)(CO3)5(OH)2 · 1.5H2O |
| 11.11.18 | Bijvoetite-(Y) | Y8(UO2)16(CO3)16O8(OH)8 · 39H2O |
| 11.11.19 | Widenmannite | Pb2(OH)2[(UO2)(CO3)2] |
| 11.11.20 | Znucalite | Zn12Ca(UO2)(CO3)3(OH)22 · 4H2O |
Other Names for Rutherfordine
Name in Other Languages:
Other Information
Other Information:
Soluble in acids.
Health Risks:
Radioactive
References for Rutherfordine
Reference List:
Marckwald, W. (1906) Ueber Uranerz aus Deutsch-Ostafrika. Centralblatt für Mineralogie, Geologie und Paleontologie, Stuttgart: 761-763. (in German)
Larsen, E.S. (1921) The Microscopic Determination of the Nonopaque Minerals, First edition, USGS Bulletin 679: 129.
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: 274-275.
Frondel, C., Meyrowitz, R. (1956) Studies of uranium minerals (XIX): rutherfordine, diderichite, and clarkeite. American Mineralogist: 41: 127-133.
International Mineralogical Association (1962) International Mineralogical Association: Commission on new minerals and mineral names. Mineralogical Magazine: 33: 260-263.
International Mineralogical Association (1980) International Mineralogical Association: Commission on new minerals and mineral names. Mineralogical Magazine: 43: 1053-1055.
Finch, R.J., Cooper, M., Hawthorne, F.C., Ewing, R.C. (1999) Refinement of the crystal structure of rutherfordine. Canadian Mineralogist 37: 929-938.
Kubatko, K.-A., Helean, K., Navrotsky, A., Burns, P.C. (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.
Larsen, E.S. (1921) The Microscopic Determination of the Nonopaque Minerals, First edition, USGS Bulletin 679: 129.
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: 274-275.
Frondel, C., Meyrowitz, R. (1956) Studies of uranium minerals (XIX): rutherfordine, diderichite, and clarkeite. American Mineralogist: 41: 127-133.
International Mineralogical Association (1962) International Mineralogical Association: Commission on new minerals and mineral names. Mineralogical Magazine: 33: 260-263.
International Mineralogical Association (1980) International Mineralogical Association: Commission on new minerals and mineral names. Mineralogical Magazine: 43: 1053-1055.
Finch, R.J., Cooper, M., Hawthorne, F.C., Ewing, R.C. (1999) Refinement of the crystal structure of rutherfordine. Canadian Mineralogist 37: 929-938.
Kubatko, K.-A., Helean, K., Navrotsky, A., Burns, P.C. (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 Rutherfordine
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3484.html
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
Localities for Rutherfordine
This 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.
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.
(TL) indicates type locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) indicates first recorded locality for everything else. ? 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 | |
| Econ Geol (1987)82:1152-1168; Angela Giblin (2004) Alligator Rivers Uranium deposits (Koongarra, Nabarlek and Ranger One) Northern Territory. CRC LEME |
| Henry, D.A., Pogson, R.E. and Williams, P.A. (2005) Threadgoldite from the South Alligator Valley uranium field, Northern Territory, Australia: second world occurrence. , Australian Journal of Mineralogy, 11, 7-11 |
| Fairclough, M.C., McAvaney, S.O. and Wilson, T.C., (compilers) 2009. South Australian Uranium Occurrences – Updated second edition |
| J. Brugger at al.: Australian Journal of Mineralogy 9(1):15-31 (2003); J. Brugger et al.: Amer. Min. 89:339-347 (2004); Lapis 29(3):41 (2004) |
Austria | |
| G. Niedermayr, I. Praetzel: Mineralien Kärntens, 1995 |
Brazil | |
| Cassedanne, J.P. & Baptista, A. (1999): Famous Mineral Localities: The Sapucaia Pegmatite Minas Gerais, Brazil. Mineralogical Record, 30: 347-360 + 365 |
Canada | |
| WATKINSON, D.H., HESLOP, J.B. & EWERT, W.D. (1975) Nickel sulphide-arsenide assemblages associated with uranium mineralization, Zimmer Lake area, Northern Saskatchewan. Canadian Mineralogist 13, 198-204. |
| Jeremy Zolan |
China | |
| Aizhen Wang and Jingyi Zhang (1988): Acta Mineralogica Sinica 8(3), 272-275 |
Czech Republic | |
| 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). | |
| Sejkora, J., Čejka, J., Bureš, B.: Nález vzácného karbonátu uranylu (rutherfordinu) v jáchymovském rudním revíru. Bulletin mineralogicko-petrografického oddělení Národního muzea v Praze, 2004, roč. 12, s. 163-166. |
| Skala, R., et al. Min.Petrol. 103,167 (2011) | |
Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre) | |
| No reference listed |
| Rob Lavinsky specimen | |
| V.D.C. Daltry (1992) The Type Mineralogy Of Africa : Zaire pp 33-62 |
| |
France | |
| Le Règne Minéral, Hors Série IV (1998) |
| Le Cahier des micromonteurs, 2002, N°75, pp 8-25 |
| Le Cahier des micromonteurs, 2002, N°75, pp 8-25 |
| Le Règne Minéral, Hors Série IV (1998) |
| [Le Règne Minéral 1997, 13, p.5-18]; Bariand, P., Bachet, B., Brassy, C., Medenbach, O., Deliens, M., Vautier, R., & Piret, P. (1993) A New Uranium Mineral from the Talmessi Mine, Iran, and Rabejac, France. Mineralogical Record: 24: 463-467 | |
| Le Règne Minéral, Hors Série IV (1998) | |
| Le Règne Minéral, Hors Série IV, 1998 |
| Le Règne Minéral, Hors Série IV, 1998 |
Gabon | |
| Janusz Janeczek (1999) Mineralogy and geochemistry of natural fission reactors in Gabon. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, MSA, v. 38, p. 321-392 |
Germany | |
| Wittern: "Mineralfundorte in Deutschland", 2001; Schmeltzer, H. (1993): Die Grube Segen Gottes bei Schnellingen - ein polymetallisches Mineralvorkommen. Der Erzgräber, 7 (2), 34-35. |
| Walenta: "Die Mineralien des Schwarzwaldes", Weise (Munich), 1992 |
| No reference listed |
| Weiss: "Mineralfundstellen, Deutschland West", Weise (Munich), 1990 |
| Aufschluss 69/(7+8), Lapis 79/(7+8) |
| Lapis 30(7/8):78-80 (2005) |
Italy | |
| Vignola P., Fransolet A.-M., Guastoni A., Appiani R. (2011): Le pegmatiti di Piona. Recenti studi sui filoni Malpensata, Luna e Sommafiume. Riv. Mineral. Ital., 35, 1, 30-38. |
| 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. |
New Zealand | |
| Christie & Brathwaite, (2000) NZ Mineral Commodity Report 19 - Beryllium, Gallium, Lithium, Magnesium, Uranium and Zirconium |
Norway | |
| Neumann, H. (1985): Norges Mineraler. Norges geologiske Undersøkelse Skrifter 68, p. 103 |
| Neumann, H. (1985): Norges Mineraler. Norges Geologiske Undersøkelse Skrifter 68, p. 103. |
Poland | |
| Mochnacka, K., Banaś, M. (2000): Occurrence and genetic relationships of uranium and thorium mineralization in the Karkonosze-Izera Block (The Sudety Mts, SW Poland). Annales Societatis Geologorum Poloniae: 70: 137-150 |
Switzerland | |
| - Meisser, N. (2012): La minéralogie de l'uranium dans le massif des Aiguilles Rouges. Matér. Géol. Suisse, Sér. géotech. 96, 183 p. |
Tanzania (TL) | |
| Centr.Min.(1906) p. 761-764; J. Geffroy, J.A. Sarcia, J. Chervet : "Les Minéraux Uranifères Français", 1960, Institut National des Sciences et Techniques Nucléaires / Saclay - PUF.; Frondel C, Meyrowitz R (1956) Studies of uranium minerals (XIX): rutherfordine, diderichite, and clarkeite. American Mineralogist 41, 127-133 |
UK | |
| Golley, P. & Williams, R. (1995): Cornish Mineral Reference Manual. Endsleigh Publications (Truro), 104 pp. |
| [Journal of the Russell Society, 6(1), 17-26 (1995)] |
Ukraine | |
| Burakov, B.E., Strykanova, E.E., Anderson, E.B. (): Secondary Uranium Minerals on the Surface of Chernobyl “Lava”. MRS Proceedings: 465; : http://dx.doi.org/10.1557/PROC-465-1309 |
USA | |
| Minerals of Colorado (1997) |
| Minerals of Colorado (1997) E.B. Eckels |
| Januzzi, Ronald E. (1976): Mineral Localities of Connecticut and Southeastern New York State. The Mineralogical Press, Danbury, Connecticut: 192-201. |
| King, V. and Foord, E., 1994, Mineralogy of Maine, V. 1; King, V. (ed), 2000, Mineralogy of Maine, V. 2. |
| Mineralogy of Michigan (2004) Heinrich & Robinson |
| USGS (2005), Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS): U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia, loc. file ID #10037219. |
| NBMG Spec. Pub. 31 Minerals of Nevada; Jensen, M. and J. Herrmann (2012) Uranium mineralization at the Apex Mine, Lander County, Nevada. Rocks and Minerals 87:270-276 |
| Rocks & Min. 80:256 (2005) |
| Januzzi, R.E. and Seaman, David M. (1976) Mineral Localities Of Connecticut and Southern New York State and Pegmatite Minerals of the World. |
| Northrop, Minerals of New Mexico, 3rd Rev. Ed., 1996 |
| Minerals of New Mexico 3rd ed. |
| Rocks & Min.:60:86. |
| 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 |
| UGMS Bull 117 Minerals and Mineral Localities of Utah |
| Min Rec 30 pp231-238 |
| Charles Creekmur collection |
| Rocks & Minerals 76:386 |
| Handbook of Mineralogy - Anthony, Bideaux, Bladh, Nichols; 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. |
Shinkolobwe Mine, Shinkolobwe, Katanga Copper Crescent, Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre)