Saléeite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Saléeite
Achille Léon Salée
Formula:
Mg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2O
Colour:
Lemon-yellow, straw-yellow, greenish yellow
Lustre:
Sub-Adamantine, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy
Hardness:
2 - 3
Specific Gravity:
3.27
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named in 1932 by Jacques Thoreau and Johannes F. Vaes in honour of Achille Léon Salée [September 6, 1883, Spa, Belgium - March 13, 1932, Isavi, Rwanda (not, as some sources say, in Butare (formerly Astrida), Rwanda)], Professor at the Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain, Belgium. Salée was a geologist and systematic paleontologist. He authored a geologic map of Rwanda. A river in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is named for him, as is a street in his home town of Spa.
Isostructural with:
Autunite Group. The phosphate analogue of nováčekite-II. Chemically similar to metasaléeite (the lower hydrate), and the two minerals are the only ones with the Mg-U-P combination.
A secondary mineral occurring in the oxidized zones of uranium-bearing polymetallic hydrothermal, and sedimentary, mineral deposits.
A secondary mineral occurring in the oxidized zones of uranium-bearing polymetallic hydrothermal, and sedimentary, mineral deposits.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3508
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3508:4
IMA Classification of Saléeite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Mg(UO2)2(PO4)2(H2O)10
Classification of Saléeite
8.EB.05
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
B : UO2:RO4 = 1:1
8 : PHOSPHATES, ARSENATES, VANADATES
E : Uranyl phosphates and arsenates
B : UO2:RO4 = 1:1
40.2a.11.1
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
19.11.12
19 : Phosphates
11 : Phosphates of U
19 : Phosphates
11 : Phosphates of U
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Slé | 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 Saléeite
Sub-Adamantine, Sub-Vitreous, Resinous, Waxy
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent, Opaque
Colour:
Lemon-yellow, straw-yellow, greenish yellow
Streak:
Yellow-white
Hardness:
2 - 3 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
[001] Perfect, [010] Indistinct, [110] Indistinct
[001] Perfect, [010] Indistinct, [110] Indistinct
Fracture:
Micaceous
Density:
3.27 g/cm3 (Measured) 3.21 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Saléeite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.554 - 1.559 nβ = 1.570 - 1.582 nγ = 1.571 - 1.585 nω = 1.571 - 1.585 nε = 1.544 - 1.565
Birefringence:
0.017
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.017 - 0.026
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
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = Colourless
Z = Pale greenish yellow
Z = Pale greenish yellow
Comments:
Typically nearly uniaxial -, sectored.
Chemistry of Saléeite
Mindat Formula:
Mg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Saléeite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Cell Parameters:
a = 6.951(1) Å, b = 19.942(1) Å, c = 6.967(1) Å
β = 90.58(1)°
β = 90.58(1)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.349 : 1 : 0.349
Unit Cell V:
965.69 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Saleeite is pseudotetragonal, the last few water molecules distort the structure. Forms square plates, composite, flattened on {001}, and exhibiting {001}, {100}, {120}, and {012}. Subparallel lamellar aggregates common.
Comment:
P21/n; originally given cell: a = 6.951, b = 19.947, c = 9.896 Å, β = 135.17°. The structure consists of UO2PO4 sheets between which are located Mg2+ ions and water molecules. The Mg2+ ions are octahedrally coordinated to 6 of the 10 interlayer waters, but the last 4 water molecules are not bound to Mg.
Epitaxial Relationships of Saléeite
Epitaxial Minerals:
| Torbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2O |
Epitaxy Comments:
Oriented growths on Torbernite with parallel axes.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.85 Å | (100) |
| 4.95 Å | (80) |
| 4.51 Å | (40) |
| 3.49 Å | (90) |
| 3.23 Å | (50) |
| 2.95 Å | (50) |
| 2.45 Å | (60) |
| 2.19 Å | (70) |
Comments:
ICDD 8-313. See also 29-874 (synthetic)
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest 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] |
Geological Setting:
Oxidation zone of polymetallic uranium-bearing hydrothermal deposits and sedimentary uranium deposits.
Type Occurrence of Saléeite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Catholic University of Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium: #HT:K 1.812.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Saléeite
Other Language Names for Saléeite
Relationship of Saléeite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Autunite Group:
| Autunite | Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10-12H2O | Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnma |
| Bassetite | Fe2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2O | Mon. 2/m |
| Heinrichite | Ba(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O | Mon. 2/m : P2/b |
| Hydronováčekite | Mg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Kahlerite | Fe(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2O | Tet. 4/m : P42/n |
| Nováčekite | Mg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O | Mon. 2/m |
| Rauchite | Ni(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Sabugalite | HAl(UO2)4(PO4)4 · 16H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Torbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2O | Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I4/mmm |
| Uranocircite | Ba(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2O | Tet. |
| Uranospinite | Ca(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O | Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : P4/nmm |
| Zeunerite | Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2O | Tet. 4/mmm (4/m 2/m 2/m) : I4/mmm |
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 23 photos of Saléeite associated with Torbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 17 photos of Saléeite associated with Metatorbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 14 photos of Saléeite associated with Leucophosphite | KFe3+2(PO4)2(OH) · 2H2O |
| 13 photos of Saléeite associated with Cyrilovite | NaFe3+3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 2H2O |
| 10 photos of Saléeite associated with Sklodowskite | Mg(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 6H2O |
| 8 photos of Saléeite associated with Autunite | Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10-12H2O |
| 6 photos of Saléeite associated with Chalcedony | SiO2 |
| 6 photos of Saléeite associated with Variscite | AlPO4 · 2H2O |
| 6 photos of Saléeite associated with Quartz | SiO2 |
| 6 photos of Saléeite associated with Wulfenite | Pb(MoO4) |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 8.EB. | Meta-autunite Group | A1-2(UO2)2(TO4)2 · 5-10H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Rauchite | Ni(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Uranocircite | Ba(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Uranospinite | Ca(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Zeunerite | Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Metarauchite | Ni(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Heinrichite | Ba(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Kahlerite | Fe(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Hydronováčekite | Mg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Torbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Nováčekite | Mg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Autunite | Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10-12H2O |
| 8.EB.05 | Xiangjiangite | (Fe3+,Al)(UO2)4(PO4)2(SO4)2(OH) · 22H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Bassetite | Fe2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Lehnerite | Mn2+(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Meta-autunite | Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metasaléeite | Mg(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metauranocircite | Ba(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 7H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metauranospinite | Ca(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metaheinrichite | Ba(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metakahlerite | Fe2+(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metakirchheimerite | Co(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metanováčekite | Mg(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metanatroautunite | Na(UO2)(PO4)(H2O)3 |
| 8.EB.10 | Metatorbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Metazeunerite | Cu(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Przhevalskite | Pb2(UO2)3(PO4)2(OH)4 · 3H2O |
| 8.EB.10 | Pseudo-autunite | (H3O)4Ca2(UO2)2(PO4)4 · 5H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Abernathyite | K(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Uramphite | (NH4)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Meta-ankoleite | K2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Natrouranospinite | Na2(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Trögerite | (H3O)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Chernikovite | (H3O)2(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 8.EB.15 | Uramarsite | (NH4)(UO2)(AsO4) · 3H2O |
| 8.EB.20 | Chistyakovaite | Al(UO2)2(AsO4)2(F,OH) · 6.5H2O |
| 8.EB.20 | Threadgoldite | Al(UO2)2(PO4)2(OH) · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.25 | Uranospathite | (Al,◻)(UO2)2(PO4)2F · 20(H2O,F) |
| 8.EB.25 | Arsenuranospathite | Al(UO2)2(AsO4)2F · 20H2O |
| 8.EB.30 | Vochtenite | (Fe2+,Mg)Fe3+(UO2)4(PO4)4(OH) · 12-13H2O |
| 8.EB.35 | Coconinoite | Fe3+2Al2(UO2)2(PO4)4(SO4)(OH)2 · 20H2O |
| 8.EB.40 | Ranunculite | HAl(UO2)(PO4)(OH)3 · 4H2O |
| 8.EB.45 | Triangulite | Al3(UO2)4(PO4)4(OH)5 · 5H2O |
| 8.EB.50 | Furongite | Al13(UO2)7(PO4)13(OH)14 · 58H2O |
| 8.EB.55 | Arsenosabugalite | H0.5Al0.5(UO2)2(AsO4)2 · 8H2O |
| 8.EB.55 | Sabugalite | HAl(UO2)4(PO4)4 · 16H2O |
| 8.EB.60 | Horákite | (Bi7O7OH)[(UO2)4(PO4)2(AsO4)2(OH)2] · 3.5H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 50.9449% | 12,736,225 | 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
Fluorescence of Saléeite
Bright lemon-yellow (LW UV); pale yellow (SW UV).
Other Information
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 Saléeite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3508.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
References for Saléeite
Reference List:
Thoreau, J.; Vaes, J.-F. (1932) La saléeite, nouveau minéral uranifère. Bulletin de la Société Belge de Géologie de Paléontologie & d'Hydrologie, 42. 96-100
Mrose, Mary E. (1950) Studies on uranium minerals (III): Saléeite from Schneeberg, Saxon. American Mineralogist, 35 (7-8) 525-530
Frondel, Clifford (1958) Systematic mineralogy of uranium and thorium. Bulletin 1064. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b1064 pp.177-183
Piret, Paul; Deliens, Michel (1980) Nouvelles données sur la saléeite holotype de Shinkolobwe. Bulletin de Minéralogie, 103 (6). 630-632 doi:10.3406/bulmi.1980.7430
Miller, S. A., Taylor, J. C. (1986) The crystal structure of saleeite, Mg[UO2PO4]2· 10H2O. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie - Crystalline Materials, 177 (3) 247-253 doi:10.1524/zkri.1986.177.3-4.247
Localities for Saléeite
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.
Argentina | |
| O. Morello y C. N. Reyes Encinas (1990) |
| O. Morello y C. N. Reyes Encinas (1990) | |
| M. E. Saulnier y F. Greco (1988) | |
Australia | |
| |
| Geosciences +1 other reference | |
| D A Berkman (1968) | |
| D.A.Berkman (1968) | |
| Economic Geology of Australia and papua ... |
| Waite & Payne (1993) +2 other references | |
| Henry et al (1999) +2 other references | |
| Henry et al. (1999) | |
| Haas (n.d.) |
| Henry et al. (2005) | |
| Uwe Kolitsch (powder X-ray diffraction + SEM-EDS) |
| Birch et al. (1993) |
| Henry et al. (1988) +3 other references |
| Judy Rowe collection |
Austria | |
| F. Brandstätter (1998) |
Brazil | |
| Cassedanne et al. (1982) |
| Baijot et al. (2014) | |
| Sergio Varvello collection +1 other reference | |
| Atencio et al. (2004) | |
| Nikischer (2023) |
| Cassedanne et al. (1981) |
| Sergio Varvello collection |
| Cassedanne et al. (1999) | |
| Chukanov et al. (2007) |
| Luis Menezes +1 other reference | |
| Sergio Varvello collection | |
| Sergio Varvello collection |
Canada | |
| Boyle et al. (1981) |
| Carruzzo (2003) |
Czech Republic | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Journal of Geosciences 54:15-56 +2 other references |
| Pauliš (1999) |
| Sejkora et al. (2012) | |
| M.E. Ciriotti |
| Sejkora |
| Jakub Kristek Collection |
| Jakub Kristek Collection | |
DR Congo (TL) | |
| Thoreau et al. (1932) +4 other references |
| In the collection of Chuck Adan. EDS by ... |
| Wilson (2018) |
| |
France | |
| - (1998) |
| R. Pierrot | |
| R. Pierrot +1 other reference | |
| AFM 1-2002 |
| AFM 1-2002 p.17 |
| Jean-Marc Johannet collection |
| Collection Laurent GAYRAUD |
| - (1998) |
| Caubel (1997) |
| Henriot et al. (1998) |
| - (1998) |
Germany | |
| Walenta (1998) |
| Walenta (1992) |
| DILL et al. (1986) +2 other references |
| Dill et al. (2010) |
| Schnorrer (1995) +1 other reference |
| Mrose (1950) |
| Massanek et al. (2005) | |
| Witzke et al. (1998) |
Hungary | |
| Szakáll Sándor et al. (2016) +1 other reference |
| Koch (1985) |
| Szakáll:Minerals of Hungary |
Italy | |
| Vignola P. et al. (2011) |
| Guastoni A. et al. (2016) |
| Garavelli et al. (1959) +2 other references |
| Ref: Daniele Ravagnani - I giacimenti ... +1 other reference |
| EDS G. Blass (M.E. Ciriotti, 2007) |
| Ravagnani (1974) |
New Zealand | |
| Christie et al. (2000) |
Poland | |
| Siuda R. et al. (2010) |
| Syczewski et al. (2023) |
| Syczewski et al. (2023) +1 other reference | |
| Domańska-Siuda J. 2010: New data on secondary uranium minerals from the Western Sudetes (Poland) +1 other reference | |
Portugal | |
| International Geological Congress (2008) |
| Cabral Pinto et al. (2008) |
| |
| LNEG - Laboratório Nacional de Energia ... |
| LNEG/Siorminp database |
| LNEG/Siorminp database +1 other reference |
| |
| Pavel M. Kartashov analytical data |
| Eric Quinter collection |
Romania | |
| Hîrtopanu P. et al. (2004) |
Slovakia | |
| Ferenc Š. et al. (2019) |
Slovenia | |
| Dolenec (1985) |
Spain | |
| Arribas (1962) |
| Carles Curto Mila collection |
| Grupo Mineralogista de Madrid (1994) |
| Pierre Cléroux Collection |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) | |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) |
| Calvo Rebollar (2015) |
UK | |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
| Golley et al. (1995) |
| Alysson Rowan collection |
USA | |
| Granger (1969) +1 other reference |
| Granger (1969) +1 other reference |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Castor et al. (2004) |
| Castor et al. (2004) | |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology NBMG ... |
| Roberts et al. (1965) |
| Roberts et al. (1965) |
| Roberts et al. (1965) | |
| Richardson et al. (1993) |
| Bullock (1981) |
Uzbekistan | |
| Pavel.M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
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La Commanderie mine, Le Temple, Mauléon, Bressuire, Deux-Sèvres, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France