Upalite

upalite

meta-autunite

phosphuranylite

threadgoldite

Images

Formula: Al(UO₂)₃(PO₄)₂O(OH).7H₂O
Hydrated phosphate, uranyl mineral, phosphuranylite group
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 3.9 measured, 3.94 calculated
Hardness: 3
Colour: Amber-yellow, yellow-brown
Luminescence: No fluorescence under UV
Very strongly RADIOACTIVE
Environments

Pegmatites

Localities

At the type locality, the Kobokobo pegmatite, Mwenga Territory, South Kivu, DR Congo, upalite is a rare secondary mineral occurring as amber-yellow needles, up to 1/3 mm in length, in the oxidised uraniferous zone of the complex beryl-columbite granite pegmatite. Associated minerals include meta-autunite, phosphuranylite, threadgoldite and phuralumite (HOM, Mindat, AM 65.208).
Upalite from the Kobokobo Pegmatite - Image

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