Fermiite

fermiite

tamarugite

bluelizardite

oppenheimerite

Images

Formula: Na4(UO2)(SO4)3.3H2O
Valence: Na4(U6+O2)(S6+O4)3.3H2O
Hydrated sulphate, uranyl mineral
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 3.23 measured, 3.313 calculated
Hardness: 2½
Streak: White
Colour: Pale greenish yellow
Luminescence: Bright greenish white fluorescence under UV
Solubility: Easily soluble in water at room temperature
RADIOACTIVE
Environments

Sedimentary environments
Hydrothermal environments

Fermiite is a relatively new mineral, approved in 2014 and to date (December 2025) reported only from the Red Canyon mining district.

Localities

At the type locality, the Blue Lizard Mine, Red Canyon Mining District, San Juan County, Utah, USA, fermiite occurs as a secondary mineral from post-mining oxidation of primary uraninite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite and covellite, deposited as replacement of wood and other organic material and as disseminations in the enclosing sandstone. Associated minerals include oppenheimerite, blödite, bluelizardite, chalcanthite, epsomite, gypsum, hexahydrite, kröhnkite, manganoblödite, sideronatrite, tamarugite and wetherillite (HOM).
Fermiite from the Blue Lizard Mine - Image

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