Deloryite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Deloryite
Formula:
Cu4(UO2)(MoO4)2(OH)6
Colour:
Dark green to black
Lustre:
Vitreous, Greasy
Hardness:
4
Specific Gravity:
4.9
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
For mineral collector Jean Claude Delory (1953– ), who found the specimen.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
1254
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:1254:2
IMA Classification of Deloryite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Cu4(UO2)Mo2O8(OH)6
First published:
1992
Classification of Deloryite
4.FL.85
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
F : Hydroxides (without V or U)
L : Hydroxides with H2O +- (OH); sheets of edge-sharing octahedra
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
F : Hydroxides (without V or U)
L : Hydroxides with H2O +- (OH); sheets of edge-sharing octahedra
48.3.4.1
48 : ANHYDROUS MOLYBDATES AND TUNGSTATES
3 : Basic Anhydrous Molybdates and Tungstates
48 : ANHYDROUS MOLYBDATES AND TUNGSTATES
3 : Basic Anhydrous Molybdates and Tungstates
Mineral Symbols
As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.
| Symbol | Source | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Dlo | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Physical Properties of Deloryite
Vitreous, Greasy
Transparency:
Transparent, Opaque
Colour:
Dark green to black
Streak:
Green
Hardness:
4 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
cleavages perfect {010}, {100}, good {001}
cleavages perfect {010}, {100}, good {001}
Fracture:
Conchoidal
Density:
4.9(1) g/cm3 (Measured) 4.78 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Deloryite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.9 nβ = 1.93 nγ = 1.96
2V:
Measured: 90° , Calculated: 88°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.060
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Based on recorded range of RI values above.
Interference Colours:
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
The colours simulate birefringence patterns seen in thin section under crossed polars. They do not take into account mineral colouration or opacity.
Michel-Levy Bar The default colours simulate the birefringence range for a 30 µm thin-section thickness. Adjust the slider to simulate a different thickness.
Grain Simulation You can rotate the grain simulation to show how this range might look as you rotated a sample under crossed polars.
Surface Relief:
Moderate
Dispersion:
dispersion not observed
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Comments:
Optically yellowish green
Chemistry of Deloryite
Mindat Formula:
Cu4(UO2)(MoO4)2(OH)6
Element Weights:
Common Impurities:
S,Al
Crystallography of Deloryite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
B2/m
Setting:
C2/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 19.83(2) Å, b = 6.112(9) Å, c = 5.529(6) Å
β = 103.9°
β = 103.9°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 3.244 : 1 : 0.905
Unit Cell V:
650.50 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
rosettes to 6 mm, in which individual crystals are 3 x 1 x 0.3 mm, tabular {010}, elongate [001], showing {010}, {100}, and with a rounded termination
Crystal Structure
Load
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure
| ID | Species | Reference | Link | Year | Locality | Pressure (GPa) | Temp (K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0012779 | Deloryite | Pushcharovsky D Y, Rastsvetaeva R K, Sarp H (1996) Crystal structure of deloryite, Cu4(UO2)[Mo2O8](OH)6 Journal of Alloys and Compounds 239 23-26 | 1996 | Cap Garonne mine, Var, France | 0 | 293 | |
| 0018337 | Deloryite | Tali R, Tabachenko V V, Kovba L M (1993) Crystal structure of Cu4UO2(MoO4)2(OH)6 Russian Journal of Inorganic Chemistry 38 1350-1352 | 1993 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 4.100 Å | (100) |
| 3.734 Å | (90) |
| 4.815 Å | (80) |
| 2.482 Å | (60) |
| 4.425 Å | (40) |
| 4.276 Å | (40) |
| 3.254 Å | (40) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Deloryite
General Appearance of Type Material:
rosettes of crystals
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Mineralogy Department of the Natural History Museum, Geneva, Switzerland
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Deloryite
Other Language Names for Deloryite
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 1 photo of Deloryite associated with Metazeunerite | Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.FL. | Trébeurdenite | Fe2+2Fe3+4O2(OH)10CO3 · 3H2O |
| 4.FL. | Mariakrite | [Ca4Al2(OH)12(H2O)4][Fe2S4] |
| 4.FL.05 | Muskoxite | Mg7Fe4O13 · 10H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Jamborite | Ni2+1-xCo3+x(OH)2-x(SO4)x · nH2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Mössbauerite | Fe3+6O4(OH)8[CO3] · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Meixnerite | Mg6Al2(OH)16(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Woodallite | Mg6Cr2(OH)16Cl2 · 4H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Fougèrite | Fe2+4Fe3+2(OH)12[CO3] · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Dritsite | Li2Al4(OH)12Cl2 · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Rotemite | Ca4Cr2(OH)12Cl2 · 4H2O |
| 4.FL.05 | Iowaite | Mg6Fe3+2(OH)16Cl2 · 4H2O |
| 4.FL.10 | Hydrocalumite | Ca4Al2(OH)12(Cl,CO3,OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 4.FL.15 | Kuzelite | Ca4Al2(OH)12[SO4] · 6H2O |
| 4.FL.20 | Jianshuiite | (Mg,Mn,Ca)Mn3O7 · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.20 | Ernienickelite | NiMn3O7 · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.20 | Aurorite | Mn2+Mn4+3O7 · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.20 | Chalcophanite | ZnMn4+3O7 · 3H2O |
| 4.FL.25 | Woodruffite | Zn2+x/2(Mn4+1-xMn3+x)O2 · yH2O |
| 4.FL.30 | Asbolane | (Ni,Co)2-xMn4+(O,OH)4 · nH2O |
| 4.FL.30 va | Lampadite | Cu, Mn, O, H |
| 4.FL.35 | Buserite | Na4Mn14O27 · 21H2O |
| 4.FL.40 | Takanelite | (Mn,Ca)Mn4O9 · H2O |
| 4.FL.40 | Ranciéite | (Ca,Mn2+)0.2(Mn4+,Mn3+)O2 · 0.6H2O |
| 4.FL.45 | Birnessite | (Na,Ca)0.5(Mn4+,Mn3+)2O4 · 1.5H2O |
| 4.FL.55 | Cianciulliite | Mn(Mg,Mn)2Zn2(OH)10 · 2-4H2O |
| 4.FL.60 | Jensenite | Cu3[TeO6] · 2H2O |
| 4.FL.65 | Leisingite | Cu2MgTe6+O6 · 6H2O |
| 4.FL.70 | Akdalaite | Al10O14(OH)2 |
| 4.FL.75 | Cafetite | CaTi2O5 · H2O |
| 4.FL.80 | Mourite | UMo5O12(OH)10 |
| 4.FL.90 | Lagalyite | Ca2xMn1-xO2 · 1.5-2H2O |
| 4.FL.95 | Tunnerite (of Cornu) | |
| 4.FL.100 | Carbocalumite | Ca4Al2(OH)12(CO3) · 6H2O |
| 4.FL.100 | Mampsisite | Ca4Al2(CO3)(OH)12 · 5H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 25.1571% | 6,289,275 | α, β, γ |
| Thorium (Th) | 0.0000% | 0 | α, β, γ |
| Potassium (K) | 0.0000% | 0 | β, γ |
For comparison:
- Banana: ~15 Bq per fruit
- Granite: 1,000–3,000 Bq/kg
- EU exemption limit: 10,000 Bq/kg
Note: Risk is shown relative to daily recommended maximum exposure to non-background radiation of 1000 µSv/year. Note that natural background radiation averages around 2400 µSv/year so in reality these risks are probably extremely overstated! With infrequent handling and safe storage natural radioactive minerals do not usually pose much risk.
Interactive Simulator:
Note: The mass selector refers to the mass of radioactive mineral present, not the full specimen, also be aware that the matrix may also be radioactive, possibly more radioactive than this mineral!
Activity: –
| Distance | Dose rate | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cm | ||
| 10 cm | ||
| 1 m |
The external dose rate (D) from a radioactive mineral is estimated by summing the gamma radiation contributions from its Uranium, Thorium, and Potassium content, disregarding daughter-product which may have a significant effect in some cases (eg 'pitchblende'). This involves multiplying the activity (A, in Bq) of each element by its specific gamma ray constant (Γ), which accounts for its unique gamma emissions. The total unshielded dose at 1 cm is then scaled by the square of the distance (r, in cm) and multiplied by a shielding factor (μshield). This calculation provides a 'worst-case' or 'maximum risk' estimate because it assumes the sample is a point source and entirely neglects any self-shielding where radiation is absorbed within the mineral itself, meaning actual doses will typically be lower. The resulting dose rate (D) is expressed in microsieverts per hour (μSv/h).
D = ((AU × ΓU) + (ATh × ΓTh) + (AK × ΓK)) / r2 × μshield
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble in HCl.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Deloryite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-1254.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
References for Deloryite
Reference List:
Pushcharovsky, D.Yu., Rastsvetaeva, R.K., Sarp, H. (1996) Crystal structure of deloryite, Cu4(UO2)[Mo2O8](OH)6. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 239. 23-26 doi:10.1016/0925-8388(96)02271-2
Localities for Deloryite
symbol to view information about a locality.
The Locality List
- This locality has map coordinates listed.
- This locality has estimated coordinates.
ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence.
? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.
- Good crystals or important locality for species.
- World class for species or very significant.
(TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species.
(FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties).
All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
France | |
| Dal Bo et al. (2018) |
| Sarp et al. (1992) +1 other reference |
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Cap Garonne Mine, Le Pradet, Toulon, Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France