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Metakirchheimerite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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05344730017271925018241.jpg
Metakirchheimerite

Svornost Mine, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
06062590017271925049942.jpg
Metakirchheimerite

Jan Evangelista vein, Svornost Mine, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
08061830017271925069433.jpg
Metakirchheimerite

Svornost Mine, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
05344730017271925018241.jpg
Metakirchheimerite

Svornost Mine, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
06062590017271925049942.jpg
Metakirchheimerite

Jan Evangelista vein, Svornost Mine, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
08061830017271925069433.jpg
Metakirchheimerite

Svornost Mine, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
05344730017271925018241.jpg
Metakirchheimerite

Svornost Mine, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
07414090017271925093932.jpg
Metakirchheimerite

Jan Evangelista vein, Svornost Mine, Jáchymov, Karlovy Vary District, Karlovy Vary Region, Czech Republic
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About MetakirchheimeriteHide

Formula:
Co(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O
Colour:
pale pink, greenish yellow to colorless
Hardness:
2 - 2½
Crystal System:
Triclinic
Name:
For Professor Franz Waldemar Kirchheimer (1 July 1911, Müllheim, Germany – 17 June 1984, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany), former Director of the Geological Survey of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, geologist, palaeontologist and mining historian, for his contribution on uranium deposits in Baden-Württemberg.
Meta-autunite Group.

The lower hydrate of "kirchheimerite", a non-approved species which contains 12 water molecules per formula unit (Walenta, 1964; Locock et al., 2004).


Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
2677
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:2677:8

IMA Classification of MetakirchheimeriteHide

IMA status:
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
First published:
1958
Type description reference:
Walenta, Kurt (1958) Die sekundären Uranmineralien des Schwarzwaldes. Jahreshefte des geologischen Landesamtes in Baden-Württemberg: 3: 17-51.

Classification of MetakirchheimeriteHide

Strunz-mindat (2025):
8.EB.10

8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
B : UO2:RO4 = 1:1
Dana 8th ed.:
40.2a.17.1

40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
Hey's CIM Ref.:
20.7.20

20 : Arsenates (also arsenates with phosphate, but without other anions)
7 : Arsenates of U

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

SymbolSourceReference
MkiIMA–CNMNCWarr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Physical Properties of MetakirchheimeriteHide

Colour:
Pale pink, greenish yellow to colorless
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 - 2½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
(001)

Optical Data of MetakirchheimeriteHide

Type:
Uniaxial (-)
RI values:
nω = 1.644 nε = 1.617
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.027
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.

Surface Relief:
Moderate
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic

Chemistry of MetakirchheimeriteHide

Mindat Formula:
Co(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
U46.629 %
O31.342 %
As14.677 %
Co5.772 %
H1.580 %

Calculated from ideal end-member formula.
Elements listed:
As, Co, H, O, U - search for minerals with similar chemistry

Crystallography of MetakirchheimeriteHide

Crystal System:
Triclinic
Class (H-M):
1 - Pinacoidal
Space Group:
P1
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.1955 Å, b = 9.7715 Å, c = 13.2319 Å
α = 75.525°, β = 84.052°, γ = 81.661°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.736 : 1 : 1.354
Unit Cell V:
889.08 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)

Crystal StructureHide

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IDSpeciesReferenceLinkYearLocalityPressure (GPa)Temp (K)
0005993MetakirchheimeriteLocock A J, Burns P C, Flynn M (2004) Divalent transition metals and magnesium in structures that contain the autunite-type sheet The Canadian Mineralogist 42 1699-171820040293
CIF Raw Data - click here to close

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
8.55 Å(100)
3.56 Å(100)
5.07 Å(60)
4.30 Å(60)
3.00 Å(60)
3.41 Å(50)
2.52 Å(50)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Type Occurrence of MetakirchheimeriteHide

Other Language Names for MetakirchheimeriteHide

Relationship of Metakirchheimerite to other SpeciesHide

Member of:
Meta-autunite Group
Other Members of Meta-autunite Group:
AbernathyiteK(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/ncc
Chernikovite(H3O)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/nmm
LehneriteMn2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
Meta-ankoleiteK2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/nmm
Meta-autuniteCa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m)
MetaheinrichiteBa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2 : P21
MetakahleriteFe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
MetalodèviteZn(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OTet. 4/m : P42/m
MetanatroautuniteNa(UO2)(PO4)(H2O)3Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/ncc
MetanováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
MetarauchiteNi(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
MetasaléeiteMg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O
MetatorberniteCu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
MetauranocirciteBa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 7H2OMon. 2 : P21
MetauranospiniteCa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
MetazeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
NatrouranospiniteNa2(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 5H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/nmm
Trögerite(H3O)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/nmm
Uramarsite(NH4)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/mmm
Uramphite(NH4)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/nmm

Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat GroupingHide

8.EB.Meta-autunite GroupA1-2(UO2)2(TO4)2 · 5-10H2O
8.EB.05RauchiteNi(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.05UranocirciteBa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2OTet.
8.EB.05UranospiniteCa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.05ZeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I4/mmm
8.EB.05MetarauchiteNi(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.05HeinrichiteBa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m : P2/b
8.EB.05KahleriteFe(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
8.EB.05HydronováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.05TorberniteCu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I4/mmm
8.EB.05NováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m
8.EB.05AutuniteCa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10-12H2OOrth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma
8.EB.05SaléeiteMg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m
8.EB.05Xiangjiangite(Fe3+,Al)(UO2)4(PO4)2(SO4)2(OH) · 22H2OTet.
8.EB.10BassetiteFe2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2OMon. 2/m
8.EB.10LehneriteMn2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2/m
8.EB.10Meta-autuniteCa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m)
8.EB.10MetasaléeiteMg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O
8.EB.10MetauranocirciteBa(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 7H2OMon. 2 : P21
8.EB.10MetauranospiniteCa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
8.EB.10MetaheinrichiteBa(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OMon. 2 : P21
8.EB.10MetakahleriteFe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.10MetanováčekiteMg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
8.EB.10MetanatroautuniteNa(UO2)(PO4)(H2O)3Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/ncc
8.EB.10MetatorberniteCu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P4/n
8.EB.10MetazeuneriteCu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2OTet. 4/m : P42/n
8.EB.10PrzhevalskitePb2(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 3H2OTet.
8.EB.10Pseudo-autunite(H3O)4Ca2(UO2)2(PO4)4 · 5H2OOrth.
8.EB.15AbernathyiteK(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/ncc
8.EB.15Uramphite(NH4)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Meta-ankoleiteK2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15NatrouranospiniteNa2(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 5H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Trögerite(H3O)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Chernikovite(H3O)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/nmm
8.EB.15Uramarsite(NH4)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2OTet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/mmm
8.EB.20ChistyakovaiteAl(UO2)2(AsO4)2(F,OH) · 6.5H2OMon.
8.EB.20ThreadgolditeAl(UO2)2(PO4)2(OH) · 8H2OMon.
8.EB.25Uranospathite(Al,◻)(UO2)2(PO4)2F · 20(H2O,F)Orth. mm2 : Pnn2
8.EB.25ArsenuranospathiteAl(UO2)2(AsO4)2F · 20H2OOrth. mm2 : Pnn2
8.EB.30Vochtenite(Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(UO2)4(PO4)4(OH) · 12-13H2OMon.
8.EB.35CoconinoiteFe3+2Al2(UO2)2(PO4)4(SO4)(OH)2 · 20H2OMon.
8.EB.40RanunculiteHAl(UO2)(PO4)(OH)3 · 4H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b
8.EB.45TrianguliteAl3(UO2)4(PO4)4(OH)5 · 5H2OTric.
8.EB.50FurongiteAl13(UO2)7(PO4)13(OH)14 · 58H2OTric. 1 : P1
8.EB.55SabugaliteHAl(UO2)4(PO4)4 · 16H2OMon. 2/m : B2/m
8.EB.60Horákite(Bi7O7OH)[(UO2)4(PO4)2(AsO4)2(OH)2] · 3.5H2OMon. 2/m : B2/b

RadioactivityHide

Other InformationHide

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 MetakirchheimeriteHide

References for MetakirchheimeriteHide

Reference List:
Walenta, Kurt (1958) Die sekundären Uranmineralien des Schwarzwaldes. Jahreshefte des geologischen Landesamtes in Baden-Württemberg: 3: 17-51.[type-description]
Fleischer, M. (1959) New mineral names. American Mineralogist: 44: 464-470.
Walenta, Kurt, Walenta, Kurt (1964) Beiträge zur Kenntnis seltener Arsenatmineralien unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von Vorkommen des Schwarzwaldes. 1. Folge. [Rare arsenate minerals with special consideration of occurrences in the Black Forest. Part I]. Tschermaks Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen, 9 (1). 111-174 doi:10.1007/bf01127780
Vochten, Renaud, Goeminne, André (1984) Synthesis, crystallographic data, solubility and electrokinetic properties of meta-zeunerite, meta-kirchheimerite and nickel-uranylarsenate. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 11 (2) 95-100 doi:10.1007/bf00308011
Ondruš, P., Veselovský, F., Gabašová, A., Hloušek, J., Šrein, V. (2003) Supplement to secondary and rock-forming minerals of the Jáchymov ore district. Journal of the Czech Geological Society, 48 (3-4) 149-155
Locock, A. J., Burns, P. C., Flynn, T. M. (2004) Divalent transition metals and magnesium in structures that contain the autunite-type sheet. The Canadian Mineralogist, 42 (6) 1699-1718 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.42.6.1699
(2005) Metakirchheimerite. Handbook of Mineralogy. Mineralogical Society of America
Plášil, J., Čejka, J., Sejkora, J., Hloušek, J., Goliáš, V. (2009) New data for metakirchheimerite from Jáchymov (St. Joachimsthal), Czech Republic. Journal of GEOsciences, 54 (4) 373-384
Hazen, Robert M., Hystad, Grethe, Golden, Joshua J., Hummer, Daniel R., Liu, Chao, Downs, Robert T., Morrison, Shaunna M., Ralph, Jolyon, Grew, Edward S. (2017) Cobalt mineral ecology. American Mineralogist, 102 (1) 108-116 doi:10.2138/am-2017-5798

Localities for MetakirchheimeriteHide

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the symbol to view information about a locality. The symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.

Locality ListHide

- 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). Struck out - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.
Czech Republic
 
  • Karlovy Vary Region
    • Karlovy Vary District
      • Jáchymov
Ondruš et al. (2003) +1 other reference
Plášil et al. (2009)
France
 
  • Occitanie
    • Hérault
      • Lodève
        • Le Bosc
- (1998)
Germany
 
  • Baden-Württemberg
    • Freiburg Region
      • Rottweil
        • Schenkenzell
          • Wittichen
54 (in German) +1 other reference
            • Böckelsbach valley
American Mineralogist (1959) +1 other reference
            • Burgfelsen
            • Heubach Valley
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