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Formula: Ba(UO2)2(AsO4)2.10H2O
Hydrated arsenate,
autunite group, uranyl- and
barium- bearing mineral
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 3.579 calculated for synthetic material
Hardness: 2½
Streak: White
Colour: Yellow-green
Luminescence: Fluoresces bright green to greenish yellow under short wave and long wave UV
RADIOACTIVE
Environments
Heinrichite is a secondary mineral in oxidised
uranium deposits. Associated minerals include
metaheinrichite,
zeunerite, nováčekite,
erythrite, pitticite,
arseniosiderite and
uraninite
(HOM).
Heinrichite is unstable at room temperature and dehydrates fairly rapidly to
metaheinrichite
(Mindat).
Localities
There are two co-type lcalities, Wittichen, Schenkenzell, Rottweil, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and
the White King Mine, Lakeview, Lake County, Oregon, USA.
At Wittichen, Schenkenzell, Rottweil, Freiburg Region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, heinrichite and
metaheinrichite occur as small crystals and coatings of scaly
aggregates on granite and on the
gangue minerals, baryte and
quartz. They are formed from the alteration of
pitchblende, a
primary constituent of the
cobalt - nickel -
bismuth - silver -
uranium veins of the region, and are associated with other
secondary uranium
minerals, mainly zeunerite and
nováčekite, and with
erythrite,
arseniosiderite and
pitticite
(AM 43.1134-1143).
At the White King Mine, Lakeview, Lake County, Oregon, USA, heinrichite and
metaheinrichite coat fractures and line vugs in light grey,
altered, silicified rhyolite
tuff. They are present at or near the surface, while at greater depth
the uranium mineral is coffinite,
which is associated with orpiment and
realgar.
The crystals of heinrichite and metaheinrichite are tabular,
up to one mm on a side and not more than 0.1 mm thick
(AM 43.1134-1143).
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