Uricite

(repeating unit)C5H4N4O3IMA symbolUri[1]Strunz classification10.CA.40Crystal systemMonoclinicCrystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)Space groupP21/aUnit cella = 14.46 Å, b = 7.4 Å
c = 6.2 Å; β = 65.2°; Z = 4IdentificationColorYellowish white, colorless, light brownMohs scale hardness1–2StreakWhiteDiaphaneityTranslucentSpecific gravity1.85 (calculated)Optical propertiesBiaxialReferences[2][3][4]

Uricite is a rare organic mineral form of uric acid, C5H4N4O3. It is a soft yellowish white mineral which crystallizes in the monoclinic system.

Discovery and occurrence

It was first described in 1973 for an occurrence in bat guano in Dingo Donga Cave, Eucla, Western Australia.[2] The name is for its composition, anhydrous uric acid. It occurs with biphosphammite, brushite and syngenite at the type locality in Dingo Donga Cave.[3]

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. ^ a b Uricite on Mindat.org
  3. ^ a b Handbook of Mineralogy
  4. ^ Uricite data on Webmineral


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