Widemannite
Widemannite is a rare uranyl lead carbonate mineral which occurs in a yellow to straw-yellow colour.
Widemannite is only known from a handful of locales worldwide.
Toxic mineral: contains uranium, lead.
Information about Widenmannite
Widenmannite is a rare uranyl-lead carbonate mineral.
It typically forms tabular lath-like, thin crystals or aggregates, often in pale yellow, white, or greenish-yellow hues. The crystals are small (often < 1 mm), translucent to transparent in parts, and appear on matrix rock. Its lustre can be silky or pearly on crystal faces.
Uses and History
Primarily of interest to mineral collectors and researchers studying uranium-lead carbonate minerals.
Widenmannite was described and accepted as a mineral species in 1974 (IMA), with its type locality being the Michael Mine, Germany. It has since been found at other localities, especially in supergene oxidation zones of uranium ore systems such as in the Jánská vein near Příbram, Czech Republic.
Mineralogy
Yellow, pale yellow-green, colourless
Hazards and Warnings
Radioactive and toxic mineral, contains uranium. Handle with care, and make precautions for radon gas etc.
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.
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