Rauvite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered - questionable
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About Rauvite
Formula:
Ca(UO2)2(V10O28) · 16H2O
Colour:
Purplish black, grayish black, pale orange-yellow, brownish red, brownish yellow-orange
Lustre:
Adamantine, Waxy
Specific Gravity:
2.92
Name:
Named by Frank L. Hess in 1922 from the chemical symbols of its presumed constituents: RAdium, Uranium and Vanadium.
A rare and questionable mineral species occurring in the oxidized zones of U-V ores in Colorado Plateau-type deposits.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3372
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3372:1
Similar Names
| Raphite | A synonym of Ulexite | |
| Rivaite | A synonym of Wollastonite | |
| Rruffite | A valid IMA mineral species | Ca2Cu(AsO4)2 · 2H2O |
IMA Classification of Rauvite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959), Questionable
IMA Formula:
Ca(UO2)2V10O28 · 16H2O
Type description reference:
Classification of Rauvite
4.HB.40
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
H : V[5,6] Vanadates
B : Uranyl Sorovanodates
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
H : V[5,6] Vanadates
B : Uranyl Sorovanodates
47.4.4.1
47 : VANADIUM OXYSALTS
4 : Vanadium Bronzes
47 : VANADIUM OXYSALTS
4 : Vanadium Bronzes
21.4.9
21 : Vanadates (and vanadates with arsenate or phosphate)
4 : Vanadates of U, Mn, Fe or Ni
21 : Vanadates (and vanadates with arsenate or phosphate)
4 : Vanadates of U, Mn, Fe or Ni
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 for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Ruv | 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 Rauvite
Adamantine, Waxy
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Purplish black, grayish black, pale orange-yellow, brownish red, brownish yellow-orange
Streak:
Olive-brown, yellow-brown
Tenacity:
Sectile
Cleavage:
None Observed
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
2.92 g/cm3 (Measured)
Optical Data of Rauvite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
n = 1.88 - 1.95
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.000
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:
Very High
Chemistry of Rauvite
Mindat Formula:
Ca(UO2)2(V10O28) · 16H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Rauvite
Morphology:
Microcrystalline; a hardened gel-like precipitate in massive botryoidal crusts and thin coatings.
Comment:
No crystallography Crystal Data: n.d. Point Group: n.d.; Space Group: n.d. Z = n.d.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 10.7 Å | (100) |
| 5.83 Å | (10) |
| 3.87 Å | (20) |
| 3.49 Å | (40) |
| 2.95 Å | (50) |
| 2.62 Å | (30) |
| 2.22 Å | (10) |
Comments:
ICDD 8-288
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] | |
| 47h : [Near-surface oxidized, dehydrated minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Rauvite
Co-Type Localities:
General Appearance of Type Material:
Fissure fillings or impregnations in sandstone.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA: #134565. U.S. National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA: #95060, R5715.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Shinarump sandstone
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Rauvite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 8 photos of Rauvite associated with Hewettite | CaV6O16 · 9H2O |
| 6 photos of Rauvite associated with Metatyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 3 photos of Rauvite associated with Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 1 photo of Rauvite associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
| 1 photo of Rauvite associated with Metahewettite | CaV6O16 · 3H2O |
| 1 photo of Rauvite associated with Fervanite | Fe3+4V5+4O16 · 5H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.HB.X | Spanoite | Tl2[(UO2)2(V2O8)] |
| 4.HB.05 | Margaritasite | (Cs,K,H3O)2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · H2O |
| 4.HB.05 | Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.HB.10 | Sengierite | Cu2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Francevillite | Ba(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Fritzscheite | Mn(UO2)2(PO4,VO4)2 · 10H2O (?) |
| 4.HB.15 | Curienite | Pb(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Finchite | Sr(UO2)2(V2O8) · 5H2O |
| 4.HB.20 | Vanuralite | Al(UO2)2(V2O8)(OH) · 11H2O |
| 4.HB.20 | Metavanuralite | Al(UO2)2(VO4)2(OH) · 8H2O |
| 4.HB.25 | Metatyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.HB.25 | Tyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5-8H2O |
| 4.HB.30 | Strelkinite | Na2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 4.HB.35 | Uvanite | U6+2V5+6O21 · 15H2O (?) |
| 4.HB.45 | Vandermeerscheite | K2[(UO2)2V2O8] · 2H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 26.0743% | 6,518,575 | 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
Special Storage/
Display Requirements:
Display Requirements:
Dehydrates on exposure forming a crackled surface.
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 Rauvite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3372.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Rauvite
Localities for Rauvite
Showing 39 localities.
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.
Quick NavTopAbout RauviteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography X-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Cactus Rat Mine, The Poison Strip, Thompsons Mining District, Grand County, Utah, USA