What is Uranospinite?
Uranospinite is a hydrated calcium uranyl arsenate of the autunite group, forming yellow plates and crusts in oxidised uranium-arsenic deposits.
Mineralogy and structure
Reference formula: Ca(UO2)2(AsO4)2·10H2O. Uranospinite is a hydrated autunite-group mineral. No suitable public COD entry was verified for this batch, so the guide intentionally has no artificial lattice; hydration, alteration and radioactivity must be considered in any specimen description. Uranospinite is classified with phosphates and has tetragonal crystal symmetry. Typical hardness is 2–2.5 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 3.2–3.5.
Colour, lustre and habit
Typical colours include yellow, greenish-yellow, yellow-green. The usual tabular, platy, crusty habit and pearly, vitreous, dull lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and notable localities
Uranospinite forms in or is associated with secondary oxidation zones of uranium-arsenic ores, mine fractures and weathered primary arsenates. Important documented localities include Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Portugal, the United States and Australia.
Yellow arsenate plates from an oxidised ore
Uranospinite is a specialist collector mineral where colour, plate form and paragenesis reveal a chemically complex oxidation zone. Safe containment and a documented locality are essential.
Collecting and care
Radioactive and arsenic-bearing: keep sealed, dry and shielded as appropriate; avoid dust, water, heat and casual handling.
