Tyuyamunite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Tyuyamunite
Formula:
Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5-8H2O
Colour:
Canary yellow, lemon-yellow; greenish yellow (upon exposure to sunlight); colourless to pale yellow in transmitted light.
Lustre:
Resinous, Waxy, Pearly, Dull, Earthy
Hardness:
1½ - 2
Specific Gravity:
3.57 - 4.35
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1912 by Konstantin Avtonomovich Nenadkevič after its discovery locality, Tyuya-Muyun, Fergana Valley, Kyrgyzstan.
Type Locality:
Isostructural with:
Carnotite Group.
A secondary mineral occurring in the oxidized zones of U-V deposits, especially those of the Colorado Plateau-type.
Visually indistinguishable from metatyuyamunite and other uranyl vanadates. Tyuyamunite easily dehydrates in dry atmosphere to metatyuyamunite and the original chemical analysis corresponds to metatyuyamunite.
A secondary mineral occurring in the oxidized zones of U-V deposits, especially those of the Colorado Plateau-type.
Visually indistinguishable from metatyuyamunite and other uranyl vanadates. Tyuyamunite easily dehydrates in dry atmosphere to metatyuyamunite and the original chemical analysis corresponds to metatyuyamunite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4072
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4072:9
GUID
(UUID V4):
(UUID V4):
caa17fb6-50ba-4ad1-9dff-2fabd885f8cb
IMA Classification of Tyuyamunite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
First published:
1912
Classification of Tyuyamunite
4.HB.25
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
H : V[5,6] Vanadates
B : Uranyl Sorovanodates
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
H : V[5,6] Vanadates
B : Uranyl Sorovanodates
40.2a.26.1
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
21.4.8
21 : Vanadates (and vanadates with arsenate or phosphate)
4 : Vanadates of U, Mn, Fe or Ni
21 : Vanadates (and vanadates with arsenate or phosphate)
4 : Vanadates of U, Mn, Fe or Ni
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
Please only use the official IMA–CNMNC symbol. Older variants are listed for historical use only.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Tyu | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
| Tyu | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) | The Canadian Mineralogist (2019) The Canadian Mineralogist list of symbols for rock- and ore-forming minerals (December 30, 2019). download |
Physical Properties of Tyuyamunite
Resinous, Waxy, Pearly, Dull, Earthy
Transparency:
Translucent, Opaque
Comment:
Pearly on cleavage {001}, waxy or dull when massive.
Colour:
Canary yellow, lemon-yellow; greenish yellow (upon exposure to sunlight); colourless to pale yellow in transmitted light.
Hardness:
1½ - 2 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Sectile
Cleavage:
Perfect
Perfect on {001}, micaceous; distinct on {100} & {010}.
Perfect on {001}, micaceous; distinct on {100} & {010}.
Fracture:
Micaceous
Density:
3.57 - 4.35 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.59 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Tyuyamunite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.675 nβ = 1.860 - 1.870 nγ = 1.885 - 1.895
2V:
Measured: 30° to 45°, Calculated: 34°
Birefringence:
0.210
Max Birefringence:
δ = 0.210 - 0.220
Image shows birefringence interference colour range (at 30µm thickness)
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
and does not take into account mineral colouration.
Surface Relief:
Very High
Dispersion:
none
Optical Extinction:
Parallel
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
X = Nearly colourless
Y = Pale canary yellow
Z = Canary yellow
Y = Pale canary yellow
Z = Canary yellow
Chemistry of Tyuyamunite
Mindat Formula:
Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5-8H2O
Crystallography of Tyuyamunite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) - Dipyramidal
Space Group:
Pnna
Cell Parameters:
a = 10.63 Å, b = 8.36 Å, c = 16.96 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.272 : 1 : 2.029
Unit Cell V:
1,507.18 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals elongated, platy, flattened on {001}, elongated [010], with {010}, {110}, and several other forms; may be curved or scaly. Also occurs as fanlike or radial aggregates, as thin films, coatings, powdery, and compact to cryptocrystalline massive impregnations.
Comment:
Pnan (Strunz and Nickel, 2001)
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 10.18 Å | (100) |
| 6.62 Å | (30) |
| 5.02 Å | (90) |
| 3.37 Å | (30) |
| 3.20 Å | (50) |
| 3.12 Å | (30) |
| 2.04 Å | (40) |
Comments:
natural, Hudspeth Co., Texas, USA
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] |
Geological Setting:
Oxidized zone Colorado Plateau uranium deposits
Type Occurrence of Tyuyamunite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Veinlet fillings, disseminated in the limestone or as fillings in karst caverns.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
A.E. Fersman Mineralogical Museum, Moscow, Russia: #3575 through 3577.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Carboniferous limestone
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Reference:
Nenadkevič, Konstantin Avtonomovich (1912) Tyuyamunite - a new mineral. Bulletin de l'Académie Impériale des Sciences de St.-Pétersbourg: 6: 945-946.
Synonyms of Tyuyamunite
Other Language Names for Tyuyamunite
Relationship of Tyuyamunite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of this group:
| Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Margaritasite | (Cs,K,H3O)2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Metatyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) |
| Metavanuralite | Al(UO2)2(VO4)2(OH) · 8H2O | Tric. |
| Sengierite | Cu2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 6H2O | Mon. 2/m : P21/b |
| Strelkinite | Na2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 6H2O | Orth. |
| Vanuralite | Al(UO2)2(V2O8)(OH) · 11H2O | Mon. 2/m |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 41 photos of Tyuyamunite associated with Calcite | CaCO3 |
| 37 photos of Tyuyamunite associated with Volborthite | Cu3(V2O7)(OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 34 photos of Tyuyamunite associated with Tangeite | CaCu(VO4)(OH) |
| 20 photos of Tyuyamunite associated with Hewettite | CaV6O16 · 9H2O |
| 16 photos of Tyuyamunite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 14 photos of Tyuyamunite associated with Kazakhstanite | Fe3+5V4+3V5+12O39(OH)9 · 9H2O |
| 14 photos of Tyuyamunite associated with Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 13 photos of Tyuyamunite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 13 photos of Tyuyamunite associated with Opal | SiO2 · nH2O |
| 7 photos of Tyuyamunite associated with Häggite | V3+V4+O2(OH)3 |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.HB.05 | Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.HB.05 | Margaritasite | (Cs,K,H3O)2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · H2O |
| 4.HB.10 | Sengierite | Cu2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Curienite | Pb(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Francevillite | Ba(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Fritzscheite | Mn(UO2)2(PO4,VO4)2 · 10H2O (?) |
| 4.HB.15 | Finchite | Sr(UO2)2(V2O8) · 5H2O |
| 4.HB.20 | Metavanuralite | Al(UO2)2(VO4)2(OH) · 8H2O |
| 4.HB.20 | Vanuralite | Al(UO2)2(V2O8)(OH) · 11H2O |
| 4.HB.25 | Metatyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.HB.30 | Strelkinite | Na2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 4.HB.35 | Uvanite | U6+2V5+6O21 · 15H2O (?) |
| 4.HB.40 | Rauvite | Ca(UO2)2(V10O28) · 16H2O |
| 4.HB.45 | Vandermeerscheite | K2[(UO2)2V2O8] · 2H2O |
Fluorescence of Tyuyamunite
Weakly to not fluorescent yellow-green in UV, although may be intergrown with bright fluorescent species
Other Information
IR Spectrum:
Weak yellow-green at times (UV).
Notes:
Radioactive. The water content is partly zeolitic and varies markedly with humidity at ambient temperatures. Insoluble in dilute acetic acid; soluble in HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4.
Health Risks:
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.
Internet Links for Tyuyamunite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4072.html
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References for Tyuyamunite
Reference List:
Spencer, L. J. (1913) A (sixth) list of new mineral names. Mineralogical Magazine and Journal of the Mineralogical Society, 16 (77) 352-378 doi:10.1180/minmag.1913.016.77.09
Larsen, Esper S. (1921) The microscopic determination of the nonopaque minerals. Bulletin Vol. 679. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b679 p.148
Localities for Tyuyamunite
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The Locality List
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- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
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Marie Mine, Pryor Mountains, Big Horn County, Montana, USA