Paulscherrerite
A variety of Minerals
What is Paulscherrerite?
Paulscherrerite, UO2(OH)2, is a newly named mineral of the schoepite subgroup of hexavalent uranium hydrate/hydroxides. It is monoclinic, but no space group has been determined because no single-crystal study has been done. Paulscherrerite occurs as a canary yellow microcrystalline powdery product with a length of ~500 nm. It forms by the weathering and ultimate pseudomorphism of uranium-lead bearing minerals such as metaschoepite. The type locality for paulscherrerite is the Number 2 Workings, Radium Ridge near Mount Painter, North Flinders Ranges, South Australia, an area where radiogenic heat has driven hydrothermal activity for millions of years. It is named for Swiss physicist Paul Scherrer, co-inventor of the Debye-Scherrer X-ray powder diffraction camera. Study of paulscherrerite and related minerals is important for understanding the mobility of uranium around mining sites, as well as designing successful strategies for the storage of nuclear weapons and the containment of nuclear waste.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Paulscherrerite before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Paulscherrerite Localities Map
See where Paulscherrerite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Characteristics of Paulscherrerite
Paulscherrerite occurs as a microcrystalline powdery product with a maximum length of ~500 nm. It forms by the weathering and ultimate pseudomorphism of uranium-lead bearing minerals such as metaschoepite. Paulscherrerite is canary yellow, with a yellow streak, and no fluorescence. The Mohs hardness cannot be measured due to the powdery nature of the mineral, and no cleavage or fracture is observable. The calculated density is 6.66 g/cm3 for the ideal formula UO2(OH)2. No optical properties have been recorded. See Table 1 for a list of the physical properties of paulscherrerite.
Composition of Paulscherrerite
The empirical formula for paulscherrerite is UO3 · 1.02H2O. The formulas for the rest of the schoepite group are: schoepite (UO2)8O2(OH)12 · 12H2O and metaschoepite UO3 · 1-2H2O. Electron microprobe 20 point analyses showed that it is an almost pure uranyl oxide-hydroxide/hydrate, with less than ~1 wt% of minor elements such as Al, Ba, and Pb. The simplified structural formula is UO2(OH)2, which requires the presence of water: UO3 93.96, H2O 6.04, Total 100.00 wt%. Table 1 shows an analysis of the chemical composition. Because paulscherrerite always exists in powder form, mixed with substantial amounts of metaschoepite, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is the best method of water measurement.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- canary yellow
- Density
- 6.66 g/cm³
- Streak
- canary yellow
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- UO2(OH)2
- Elements
- H, O, U
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Paulscherrerite FAQs
How do I identify Paulscherrerite?
Paulscherrerite can be identified by its canary yellow color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Paulscherrerite?
Paulscherrerite typically appears in canary yellow. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
What is the characteristics of paulscherrerite of Paulscherrerite?
Paulscherrerite occurs as a microcrystalline powdery product with a maximum length of ~500 nm. It forms by the weathering and ultimate pseudomorphism of uranium-lead bearing minerals such as metaschoepite. Paulscherrerite is canary yellow, with a yellow streak, and no fluorescence. The Mohs hardness cannot be measured due to the powdery nature of the mineral, and no cleavage or fracture is observable. The calculated density is 6.66 g/cm3 for the ideal formula UO2(OH)2. No optical properties have been recorded. See Table 1 for a list of the physical properties of paulscherrerite.
What is the composition of paulscherrerite of Paulscherrerite?
The empirical formula for paulscherrerite is UO3 · 1.02H2O. The formulas for the rest of the schoepite group are: schoepite (UO2)8O2(OH)12 · 12H2O and metaschoepite UO3 · 1-2H2O. Electron microprobe 20 point analyses showed that it is an almost pure uranyl oxide-hydroxide/hydrate, with less than ~1 wt% of minor elements such as Al, Ba, and Pb. The simplified structural formula is UO2(OH)2, which requires the presence of water: UO3 93.96, H2O 6.04, Total 100.00 wt%. Table 1 shows an analysis of the chemical composition. Because paulscherrerite always exists in powder form, mixed with substantial amounts of metaschoepite, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is the best method of water measurement.
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