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Formula: K3(UO2)4(SO4)2O3(OH).3H2O
Hydrated sulphate containing hydroxyl, zippeite group
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 4.794 calculated
Hardness: 2
Streak: White, yellow
Colour: Golden yellow, light yellow, orange-yellow
Solubility: Fairly soluble in acid waters (Dana)
RADIOACTIVE
Environments
Zippeite is secondary in origin and typically occurs in the
oxidised zone of uraninite deposits in igneous or metamorphic rocks containing
sulphides. It is also found, sometimes abundantly, as efflorescences on the walls of mine workings. Associated minerals
include uranopilite,
natrozippeite, nickelzippeite,
magnesiozippeite, johannite,
uranophane, schröckingerite and
gypsum. The sulphate content comes from the oxidation of sulphides, chiefly
pyrite and chalcopyrite
(CM 14.429-436, HOM).
Localities
At the type locality, the Elias Mine, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic, zippeite is associated
with uranopilite, uraninite,
limonite and gypsum
(Mindat).
Zippeite from Jáchymov - Image
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