Zellerite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Zellerite
Howard Davis Zeller
Formula:
Ca(UO2)(CO3)2 · 5H2O
Colour:
Light lemon-yellow
Lustre:
Dull
Hardness:
2
Specific Gravity:
3.25
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named after Howard Davis Zeller (24 December 1922, Warren, Ohio, USA - 14 April 2009, Denver, Colorado, USA), geologist with the United States Geological Survey who discovered the mineral.
Type Locality:
Dimorph of:
This page provides mineralogical data about Zellerite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
4391
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:4391:1
Similar Names
| Celleriite | A valid IMA mineral species | ◻(Mn22+Al)Al6(Si6O18)(BO3)3(OH)3(OH) |
| Kellerite | A variety of Pentahydrite | (Mg,Cu)SO4 · 5H2O |
| Zillerite (of Fersman) | A synonym of Hornblende-asbestos |
IMA Classification of Zellerite
Approved
Approval year:
1965
First published:
1966
Classification of Zellerite
5.EC.10
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
C : UO2:CO3 < 1:1 - 1:2
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
C : UO2:CO3 < 1:1 - 1:2
15.3.1.1
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
11.11.7
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Zel | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Pronunciation of Zellerite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Zellerite
Dull
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Light lemon-yellow
Hardness:
2 on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Imperfect/Fair
one parallel to elongation
one parallel to elongation
Density:
3.25(1) g/cm3 (Measured) 3.242 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Zellerite
Type:
Biaxial (+)
RI values:
nα = 1.536(5) nβ = 1.559(5) nγ = 1.697(5)
2V:
Measured: 25° to 30°, Calculated: 48°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.161
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
Pleochroism:
Weak
Comments:
X=Y= colorless; Z = pale yellow
Chemistry of Zellerite
Mindat Formula:
Ca(UO2)(CO3)2 · 5H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Zellerite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Cell Parameters:
a = 11.220(15) Å, b = 19.252(16) Å, c = 4.933(16) Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.583 : 1 : 0.256
Unit Cell V:
1,065.56 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Comment:
Point Group: 2/m 2/m 2/m or mm2.; Space Group: Pmmm or Pmn21.
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 9.66 Å | (100) |
| 4.848 Å | (50) |
| 5.591 Å | (35) |
| 3.651 Å | (35) |
| 4.407 Å | (25) |
| 7.33 Å | (18) |
| 2.947 Å | (13) |
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] |
Type Occurrence of Zellerite
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA, 112827.
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Zellerite
Other Language Names for Zellerite
Common Associates
Associated Minerals Based on Photo Data:
| 18 photos of Zellerite associated with Voglite | Ca2Cu(UO2)(CO3)4 · 6H2O |
| 7 photos of Zellerite associated with Liebigite | Ca2(UO2)(CO3)3 · 11H2O |
| 6 photos of Zellerite associated with Ewingite | Mg8Ca8(UO2)24(CO3)30O4(OH)12(H2O)138 |
| 6 photos of Zellerite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 3 photos of Zellerite associated with Schröckingerite | NaCa3(UO2)(CO3)3(SO4)F · 10H2O |
| 3 photos of Zellerite associated with Pyrite | FeS2 |
| 2 photos of Zellerite associated with Metazellerite | Ca(UO2)(CO3)2 · 3H2O |
| 2 photos of Zellerite associated with Dolomite | CaMg(CO3)2 |
| 1 photo of Zellerite associated with Kasolite | Pb(UO2)(SiO4) · H2O |
| 1 photo of Zellerite associated with Parauranophane | Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.EC.05 | Fontanite | Ca(UO2)3(CO3)4 · 3H2O |
| 5.EC.10 | Metazellerite | Ca(UO2)(CO3)2 · 3H2O |
| 5.EC.15 | Ewingite | Mg8Ca8(UO2)24(CO3)30O4(OH)12(H2O)138 |
| 5.EC.20 | Meyrowitzite | Ca(UO2)(CO3)2 · 5H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 45.7572% | 11,439,300 | 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 Zellerite
Fluoresces patchy green under SW and LW UV
Other Information
Notes:
Radioactive
Special Storage/
Display Requirements:
Display Requirements:
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 Zellerite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-4391.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
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References for Zellerite
Localities for Zellerite
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.
Canada | |
| Analysis: XRD Thomas Witzke |
Czech Republic | |
| Lapis 2002 (7/8) |
| Stephan Wolfsried collection | |
| Specimen from Jakub Plasil. In the ... |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 2) |
France | |
| Frédéric Bonnet Collection |
| Henriot et al. (1998) |
| - (1998) | |
Germany | |
| Möhn et al. (07/2020) |
Norway | |
| Collected by (Sigurd Stordal) |
Romania | |
| Hîrtopanu P. et al. (2004) |
Russia | |
| Collected by Pavel Martynov & Tim ... |
Slovakia | |
| Števko M. et al. (2012) |
USA | |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) |
| NMBMMR Memoir 15 Geology and Technology ... |
| Handbook of Mineralogy |
| Jim Hall |
| Am Min 51:1567-1578 |
Belorechenskoe deposit, Maykopsky District, Adygea, Russia