Images
Formula: Na6(UO2)(SO4)4(H2O)4
Valence: Na6(U6+O2)(S6+O4)4(H2O)4
Hydrated uranyl sulphate, triclinic
paramorph of monoclinic
klaprothite
Crystal system: Triclinic
Specific gravity: 2.88 measured, 2.878 calculated for the empirical formula
Hardness: 2½
Streak: Pale yellow-green
Colour: Yellowish-green to greenish yellow
Luminescence: Bright bluish green fluorescence under both long wave and short wave UV
Solubility: Easily soluble in water at room temperature
RADIOACTIVE
Environments
Sedimentary environments
Hydrothermal environments
Péligotite was approved in 2015 and to date (April 2026) it has been reported only from the type locality.
Localities
At the type locality, the Blue Lizard Mine, Red Canyon Mining District, San Juan County, Utah, USA,
klaprothite,
péligotite and ottohahnite
were found together as secondary phases. All three minerals
occur as yellowish-green to greenish-yellow crystals, are brittle with irregular fracture, have Mohs hardness of ∼2½
and exhibit bright bluish-green fluorescence, and all are easily soluble in water at room temperature. Only
klaprothite exhibits cleavage, perfect in two directions
(MM 81.4.753-779).
The minerals occur as efflorescent crusts on mine walls, formed by hydration-oxidation weathering of
primary uranium
minerals (mainly uraninite) by acidic solutions from the decomposition of
sulphides. Associated minerals include blödite,
bluelizardite, bobcookite,
epsomite, gypsum,
hexahydrite, konyaite,
plášilite and tamarugite
(HOM).
Péligotite from the Blue Lizard Mine -
Image
Back to Minerals