Swartzite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Swartzite
Charles Kephart Swartz
Formula:
MgCa(UO2)(CO3)3 · 12H2O
Colour:
Bright green, yellowish-white (dehydrated).
Specific Gravity:
2.3
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Name:
Named in honor of Charles Kephart Swartz (03 January 1861, Baltimore, Maryland, USA - 29 November 1949), Professor of Geology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA and 'an inspiring teacher to many generations of students'.
This page provides mineralogical data about Swartzite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3844
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3844:3
IMA Classification of Swartzite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
CaMg(UO2)(CO3)3 · 12H2O
First published:
1951
Classification of Swartzite
5.ED.10
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
D : UO2:CO3 = 1:3
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
D : UO2:CO3 = 1:3
15.3.3.2
15 : HYDRATED NORMAL CARBONATES
3 : AmBn(XO3)p·xH2O, with (m+n):p = 1:1
15 : HYDRATED NORMAL CARBONATES
3 : AmBn(XO3)p·xH2O, with (m+n):p = 1:1
11.11.13
11 : Carbonates
11 : Carbonates of Cr and U
11 : Carbonates
11 : Carbonates of Cr and 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 for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Swz | 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 Swartzite
Transparency:
Transparent
Colour:
Bright green, yellowish-white (dehydrated).
Density:
2.3 g/cm3 (Measured) 2.32 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Swartzite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.465 nβ = 1.51 nγ = 1.54
2V:
Calculated: 40°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.075
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:
r > v strong
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = Colourless
Y = Yellow
Z = Yellow
Y = Yellow
Z = Yellow
Chemistry of Swartzite
Mindat Formula:
MgCa(UO2)(CO3)3 · 12H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Swartzite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 11.12 Å, b = 14.72 Å, c = 6.47 Å
β = 99.43°
β = 99.43°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.755 : 1 : 0.44
Unit Cell V:
1,044.74 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
2
Morphology:
Clusters of tiny prismatic crystals.
Crystal Structure
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0014803 | Swartzite | Mereiter K (1986) Synthetic swartzite, CaMg[UO2(CO3)3]*12H2O, and its strontium analogue, SrMg[UO2(CO3)3]*12H2O: Crystallography and crystal structures Neues Jahrbuch fur Mineralogie, Monatshefte 1986 481-492 | 1986 | synthetic | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 8.76 Å | (100) |
| 5.50 Å | (100) |
| 7.31 Å | (90) |
| 4.82 Å | (80) |
| 2.91 Å | (80) |
| 2.06 Å | (80) |
| 1.707 Å | (80) |
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] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals |
Type Occurrence of Swartzite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Small vivid green clusters on a layer of snow white gypsum.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 106107, 106108.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Post-mining efflorescences on mine walls.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Swartzite
Common Associates
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.ED. | Szilagyiite | NaCa3(UO2)(CO3)3(SeO3)F(H2O)6 |
| 5.ED. | Pendevilleite-(Y) | Mg2Y3Al(UO2)2(CO3)7(OH)6(H2O)16 |
| 5.ED. | Paramarkeyite | Ca2(UO2)(CO3)3 · 5H2O |
| 5.ED.05 | Bayleyite | Mg2(UO2)(CO3)3 · 18H2O |
| 5.ED.15 | Albrechtschraufite | Ca4Mg(UO2)2(CO3)6F2 · 17-18H2O |
| 5.ED.20 | Liebigite | Ca2(UO2)(CO3)3 · 11H2O |
| 5.ED.25 | Rabbittite | Ca3Mg3(UO2)2(CO3)6(OH)4 · 18H2O |
| 5.ED.30 | Andersonite | Na2Ca(UO2)(CO3)3 · 6H2O |
| 5.ED.35 | Grimselite | K3Na(UO2)(CO3)3 · H2O |
| 5.ED.40 | Widenmannite | Pb2(OH)2[(UO2)(CO3)2] |
| 5.ED.45 | Znucalite | Zn10Ca0.83(UO2)0.83(CO3)4(OH)15.31(H2O)5.48 |
| 5.ED.50 | Agricolaite | K4(UO2)(CO3)3 |
| 5.ED.50 | Čejkaite | Na4(UO2)(CO3)3 |
| 5.ED.55 | Línekite | K2Ca3[(UO2)(CO3)3]2 · 8H2O |
| 5.ED.55 | Braunerite | K2Ca(UO2)(CO3)3 · 6H2O |
| 5.ED.60 | Leószilárdite | Na6Mg(UO2)2(CO3)6 · 6H2O |
| 5.ED.65 | Pseudomarkeyite | Ca8(UO2)4(CO3)12 · 21H2O |
| 5.ED.65 | Natromarkeyite | Na2Ca8(UO2)4(CO3)13 · 27H2O |
| 5.ED.65 | Markeyite | Ca9(UO2)4(CO3)13 · 28H2O |
| 5.ED.70 | Paddlewheelite | MgCa5Cu2(UO2)4(CO3)12(H2O)33 |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 32.5790% | 8,144,750 | 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 Swartzite
Bright green (SW UV).
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble in water. 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 Swartzite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3844.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Swartzite
Reference List:
Axelrod, Joseph M., Grimaldi, Frank S., Milton, Charles, Murata, and K. J. (1951) The uranium minerals from the Hillside Mine, Yavapai County, Arizona. American Mineralogist, 36 (1-2) 1-22
Axelrod, Joseph M., Grimaldi, Frank S., Milton, Charles, Murata, and K. J. (1951) The uranium minerals from the Hillside Mine, Yavapai County, Arizona. American Mineralogist, 36 (1-2) 1-22
Frondel, Clifford (1958) Systematic mineralogy of uranium and thorium. Bulletin 1064. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b1064
Localities for Swartzite
Showing 5 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.
USA (TL) | |
| Dana 7:II:236 & 238. +6 other references |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Carnegie Museum of Natural History ... |
| Bullock (1981) |
Quick NavTopAbout SwartziteUnique IdentifiersIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityFluorescence Other InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Rifle Mine, East Rifle Creek area, Garfield County, Colorado, USA