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Formula: LiK2Na6(UO2)(SO4)5(SO3OH)(H2O)
Sulphate, uranyl sulphate, lithium-bearing mineral
Specific gravity: 2.97 calculated
Hardness: 2½
Streak: Very pale yellow
Colour: Light yellow
RADIOACTIVE
Environments
Sedimentary environments
Hydrothermal environments
Seaborgite is a relatively new mineral, approved in 2019 and to date (June 2022) reported only from the type
locality.
Localities
At the type locality, the Blue Lizard Mine, Red Canyon Mining District, San Juan County, Utah, USA,
seaborgite was found in a post-mining oxidation zone in the
sandstone beds. These beds are rich in bitumen with
uraninite and sulphide minerals. Seaborgite likely formed from
evaporation during dry periods in the usually damp mine. This is the first uranium-bearing mineral that contains
structurally essential lithium. It is postulated that the
lithium could have migrated from
lithium-bearing clays within,
or nearby, the deposit by way of hydrothermal fluid circulation
(AM 107.320).
The seaborgite occurs as sprays of light-yellow, long flattened prisms or blades, up to about 0.2 mm in
length. Associated minerals include römerite,
metavoltine, ivsite,
gypsum, ferrinatrite and
copiapite
(Mindat).
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