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Przhevalskite

A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered - questionable
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01098140017271925962089.jpg
Przhevalskite

Dzherkamar uranium deposit, Adrasmon, Ghafurov District, Sughd, Tajikistan
01098140017271925962089.jpg
Przhevalskite

Dzherkamar uranium deposit, Adrasmon, Ghafurov District, Sughd, Tajikistan
01098140017271925962089.jpg
Przhevalskite

Dzherkamar uranium deposit, Adrasmon, Ghafurov District, Sughd, Tajikistan
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About PrzhevalskiteHide

01634250017271926001934.jpg
Nikolai M. Przhevalsky
Formula:
Pb2(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 3H2O
Colour:
Light yellow, light green
Lustre:
Adamantine, Vitreous, Pearly
Hardness:
2 - 3
Specific Gravity:
3.38 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Name:
Named in honor of Nikolai Mikhailovich Przhevalsky (Николай Михайлович Пржевальский) (31 March (12 April) 1839, Kimborovo, Smolensk, Russian Empire - 20 October (1 November) 1888, Karakol, Semirechye, Russian Empire), geographer, naturalist, and explorer of Central Asia.
Modern reinvestigation needed.




Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:
3295
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3295:3

IMA Classification of PrzhevalskiteHide

IMA status:
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959), Questionable
IMA Formula:
Pb(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 4H2O
Type description reference:
Chervet, J., Branche, G. (1955) Contribution a l'étude des mineraux secondaires d'uranium français. Prjevalskite. Sciences de la Terre: 3: 178-178.

Classification of PrzhevalskiteHide

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.21.1

40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
Hey's CIM Ref.:
19.11.39

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

Physical Properties of PrzhevalskiteHide

Lustre:
Adamantine, Vitreous, Pearly
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Light yellow, light green
Hardness:
2 - 3 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Distinct/Good
{001}, good.
Density:
3.38 g/cm3 (Calculated)

Optical Data of PrzhevalskiteHide

Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.739 nβ = 1.749(2) nγ = 1.752(2)
2V:
Measured: 30° , Calculated: 56°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.013
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
Dispersion:
r > v moderate
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = colorless; Y = pale yellow; Z = deep yellow.

Chemistry of PrzhevalskiteHide

Mindat Formula:
Pb2(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 3H2O
Element Weights:
Element% weight
U46.475 %
Pb26.970 %
O21.867 %
P4.032 %
H0.656 %

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

Crystallography of PrzhevalskiteHide

Crystal System:
Tetragonal
Cell Parameters:
a = 7.24 Å, c = 18.22 Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 2.517
Unit Cell V:
955.05 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Comment:
Point Group: n.d.; Space Group: n.d

X-Ray Powder DiffractionHide

Powder Diffraction Data:
d-spacingIntensity
3.610 Å(10)
9.080 Å(9)
1.619 Å(6)
1.530 Å(6)
9.490 Å(5)
2.629 Å(5)
1.960 Å(5)

Geological EnvironmentHide

Paragenetic Mode(s):
Paragenetic ModeEarliest Age (Ga)
Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event<2.4
47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals]
47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates]
47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals]

Type Occurrence of PrzhevalskiteHide

Type Locality:
ⓘ Dzherkamar uranium deposit, Adrasmon (Adrasman), Ghafurov District, Sughd, Tajikistan
General Appearance of Type Material:
Crystals are tabular, to 1 mm
Geological Setting of Type Material:
secondary mineral in the oxidized zone of a uranium deposit.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
TorberniteAutuniteDumontiteDewindtiteWulfenite
Reference:
Chervet, J., Branche, G. (1955) Contribution a l'étude des mineraux secondaires d'uranium français. Prjevalskite. Sciences de la Terre: 3: 178-178.

Other Language Names for PrzhevalskiteHide

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.10MetakirchheimeriteCo(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.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

Radioactivity:
Element % Content Activity (Bq/kg) Radiation Type
Uranium (U) 46.4749% 11,618,725 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: –

DistanceDose rateRisk
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 InformationHide

Notes:
radioactive
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 PrzhevalskiteHide

References for PrzhevalskiteHide

Localities for PrzhevalskiteHide

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.
China
 
  • Hunan
    • Hengyang
      • Changning Co.
        • Shuikoushan ore field
National Geological Archives of China ...
Tajikistan (TL)
 
  • Sughd
    • Ghafurov District
      • Adrasmon (Adrasman)
Гецева et al. (1956) +3 other references
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