Sklodowskite
(repeating unit)Mg(UO2)2(HSiO4)2·5H2O IMA symbol Sds[1] Strunz classification 9.AK.10 Crystal system Monoclinic Crystal class Prismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol) Space group C2/m Identification Colour Light yellow to green-yellow Cleavage Perfect
on {100} Mohs scale hardness 2 - 3 Lustre Adamantine, vitreous, silky Streak Yellow Diaphaneity Transparent, translucent Density 3.54 g/cm3 Other characteristics Radioactive
(same H-M symbol)
on {100}
Sklodowskite is a uranium mineral with the chemical formula: Mg(UO2)2(HSiO4)2·5H2O. It is a secondary mineral which contains magnesium and is a bright yellow colour, its crystal habit is acicular, but can form in other shapes. It has a Mohs hardness of about 2–3. It is named after the maiden name of Marie Skłodowska Curie.[2] It is the magnesium analogue of the much more common uranium mineral Cuprosklodowskite, which contains copper instead.
It was discovered by Alfred Schoep [de] (1881–1966) in 1924.
References
- A. Schoep, La sklodowskite, nouveau mineral radioactif, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, 179, 143 (1924)
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