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Formula: Ca(UO2)(CO3)2.5H2O
Hydrated carbonate, uranyl mineral, paramorph of zellerite
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 2.70 measured, 2.702 for the empirical formula, 2.714 calculated for the ideal formula
Hardness: 2
Streak: Very pale yellow
Colour: Yellow
Luminescence: Variable fluorescence from weak greenish yellow to moderate greenish blue under a 405 nm laser.
Solubility: Easily soluble in water at room temperature
RADIOACTIVE
Environments
Sedimentary environments
Hydrothermal environments
Meyrowitzite is a relatively new mineral, approved in 2018 and to date (November 2025) reported only
from the type locality.
Localities
At the type locality, the Markey Mine, Red Canyon Mining District, San Juan County, Utah, USA, meyrowitzite
was discovered on specimens collected underground. Mineralised channels are in the Shinarump member that consists
of medium- to coarse- grained carbonaceous sandstone,
conglomeratic
sandstone beds, and thick
siltstone lenses. Ore minerals were deposited as replacements of
wood and other organic material and as disseminations in the enclosing
sandstone. Since the mine closed, oxidation of
primary ores in the humid underground environment has
produced various secondary minerals, mainly carbonates and
sulphates, as efflorescent crusts on the surfaces of mine walls.
Meyrowitzite is a very rare mineral, found on calcite-veined
bitumen in association with
gypsum, markeyite and
rozenite. Crystals of meyrowitzite are blades up to about 0.2 mm
in length, commonly in irregular and radiating intergrowths. The mineral is yellow and transparent with a vitreous
luster and one perfect cleavage
(AM 104.4.603-610).
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