Francevillite

Francevillite is a uranyl-group vanadate mineral in the tyuyamunite series. Its chemical formula is (Ba,Pb)(UO2)2V2O8·5(H2O). Francevillite is a strongly radioactive mineral. It is typically orange, yellow or brownish yellow. It forms a series with curienite.

Francevillite
Yellow crystals of francevillite on matrix with small mounanaite crystals (specimen size, 4 x 3.5 x 1 cm)
General
CategoryVanadate mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
(Ba,Pb)(UO2)2V2O8·5(H2O)
IMA symbolFvl
Strunz classification4.HB.15
Dana classification40.02a.27.01
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
Crystal classDipyramidal (mmm)
H-M symbol: (2/m 2/m 2/m)
Space groupPcan
Unit cella = 10.41, b = 8.51
c = 16.76 [Å]; Z = 4
Identification
ColorLemon-yellow, yellow-orange, orange, greenish yellow; green, brown
Crystal habitAggregates and incrustations of crystals, also massive, in veinlets and as impregnations
CleavageOn {001}, perfect
Mohs scale hardness3
LusterAdamantine - pearly
StreakLight yellow
DiaphaneitySemitransparent
Specific gravity4.55
Optical propertiesBiaxial (-)
Refractive indexnα = 1.750 - 1.785 nβ = 1.910 - 1.952 nγ = 1.945 - 2.002
Birefringenceδ = 0.195 - 0.217
PleochroismX = colorless; Y = Z = yellow
2V angleMeasured: 52°, Calculated: 46° to 52°
Other characteristics Radioactive
References
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