Heinrichite

Heinrichite is a rare, radioactive mineral belonging to the autunite group. It commonly forms as crusty aggregates or as flattened, tabular crystals.

Showing the single result

Information about Heinrichite

Appearance

Heinrichite is a rare, radioactive mineral belonging to the autunite group. It commonly forms as crusty aggregates or as flattened, tabular crystals.


Uses and History

Heinrichite is primarily of interest to mineral collectors, although it may be used as an indicator mineral for uranium exploration.

 

Locales

Africa:

Asia:

Europe:

South America:

Antarctica:

Australia and Oceania:

North America:

  • White King Mine, Lakeview, Lake County, Oregon, USA

Mineralogy

Chemistry
Heinrichite is a phosphate mineral with the formula Ba(UO2)2(AsO4)2·10H20.
Colours and Variations
Bright yellow, yellow-green, green.
Streak
Pale yellow to pale yellow-green.
Luster
Transparency
Opaque to translucent
Fracture
Crystal habit
Flattened tabular crystals, sometimes foliated.
Mohs hardness
2.5
Fluorescence
Brightly fluorescent due to uranium.
Specific Gravity
Easiest testing method

Hazards and Warnings

It contains barium, arsenic, and uranium and should be considered radioactive and toxic. Safe storage and handling procedures should be considered.

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis. When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

 


Translations

Arabic:

Hindi:

Portuguese:

Bengali:

Indonesian:

Punjabi:

English:

  • Heinrichite

Italian:

Russian:

  • Хейнричит

French:

Japanese:

  • ハインリヒ石

Spanish:

  • Heinrichita

German:

  • Heinrichit

Korean:

Thai:

Gujurati:

Mandarin Chinese:

Urdu:


Further Reading / External Links