Parsonsite

(repeating unit)Pb2(UO2)(PO4)2·2H2OIMA symbolPso[1]Strunz classification8.EA.10Crystal systemTriclinicCrystal classPinacoidal (1)
(same H-M symbol)Space groupP1IdentificationColorPale citron-yellowCrystal habitElongate and flattened tiny crystals, may resemble laths, crusts, powdery aggregatesCleavageNone observedMohs scale hardness2.5-3LusterSub-adamantineDiaphaneityTransparent to translucentSpecific gravity5.37Optical propertiesPale yellow colorPleochroismNoneUltraviolet fluorescenceDoes not fluoresce in UV lightSolubilitySoluble in acidsOther characteristics RadioactiveReferences[2]

Parsonsite is a lead uranium phosphate mineral with chemical formula: Pb2(UO2)(PO4)2·2H2O. Parsonsite contains about 45% lead and 25% uranium. It forms elongated lathlike pseudo monoclinic crystals, radial spherulites, encrustations and powdery aggregates. It is of a light yellow colour. It has a Mohs hardness of 2.5-3 and a specific gravity of 5.72 - 6.29.[3][4]

It was first described in 1923 for an occurrence in the Shinkolobwe mine, Katanga Copper Crescent, Democratic Republic of Congo. It was named for mineralogist Arthur Leonard Parsons (1873–1957) of the University of Toronto, Canada.[4][5]

References

  1. ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
  2. ^ Mineralienatlas
  3. ^ Webmineral data for parsonite
  4. ^ a b Handbook of Mineralogy
  5. ^ Parsonite on Mindat.org

Bibliography

  • Palache, P.; Berman H.; Frondel, C. (1960). "Dana's System of Mineralogy, Volume II: Halides, Nitrates, Borates, Carbonates, Sulfates, Phosphates, Arsenates, Tungstates, Molybdates, Etc. (Seventh Edition)" John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, pp. 913-914.


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