Billietite
A valid IMA mineral species - grandfathered
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About Billietite
Valère Louis Billiet (1903-1945)
Formula:
Ba(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 4-8H2O
Colour:
Yellow to golden-yellow, amber-yellow, orange-yellow
Lustre:
Adamantine
Specific Gravity:
5.28 - 5.36
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Name:
Named in 1947 by Johannes F. Vaes in honour of Valère Louis Billiet, born Ghent, Belgium, February 14 1903. Billiet was a Belgian crystallographer, University of Ghent, Belgium.
Billiet was in the resistance during WWII but was arrested and placed in a concentration camp.
Billiet died on May 3 1945 when the transport ship SS Cap Arcona, which was housing prisoners from the Nazi Neuengamme concentration camp, was sunk by Allied Forces in the Bay of Lübeck.
Billiet was in the resistance during WWII but was arrested and placed in a concentration camp.
Billiet died on May 3 1945 when the transport ship SS Cap Arcona, which was housing prisoners from the Nazi Neuengamme concentration camp, was sunk by Allied Forces in the Bay of Lübeck.
This page provides mineralogical data about Billietite.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
674
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:674:5
Similar Names
| Bellidoite | A valid IMA mineral species | Cu2Se |
IMA Classification of Billietite
Approved, 'Grandfathered' (first described prior to 1959)
IMA Formula:
Ba(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 8H2O
Classification of Billietite
4.GB.10
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
G : Uranyl Hydroxides
B : With additional cations (K, Ca, Ba, Pb, etc.); with mainly UO2(O,OH)5 pentagonal polyhedra
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
G : Uranyl Hydroxides
B : With additional cations (K, Ca, Ba, Pb, etc.); with mainly UO2(O,OH)5 pentagonal polyhedra
5.7.1.3
5 : OXIDES CONTAINING URANIUM OR THORIUM
7 : AX6O19·xH2O
5 : OXIDES CONTAINING URANIUM OR THORIUM
7 : AX6O19·xH2O
7.16.15
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
16 : Oxides of U
7 : Oxides and Hydroxides
16 : Oxides 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 for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Bil | 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 Billietite
Adamantine
Transparency:
Transparent, Translucent
Colour:
Yellow to golden-yellow, amber-yellow, orange-yellow
Tenacity:
Brittle
Cleavage:
Perfect
on {001}, imperfect on {110} and {010}
on {001}, imperfect on {110} and {010}
Density:
5.28 - 5.36 g/cm3 (Measured) 5.3 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Billietite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.725 - 1.73 nβ = 1.78 - 1.822 nγ = 1.79 - 1.829
2V:
Measured: 36°
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.065 - 0.099
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, very strong
Pleochroism:
Visible
Comments:
X = colourless to pale yellow; Y = Z = greenish yellow to deep golden yellow, amber-brown
Orientation: X = c, Y = a, Z = b
Orientation: X = c, Y = a, Z = b
Chemistry of Billietite
Mindat Formula:
Ba(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 4-8H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Common Impurities:
Ca,Si
Crystallography of Billietite
Crystal System:
Orthorhombic
Class (H-M):
mm2 - Pyramidal
Cell Parameters:
a = 12.072 Å, b = 30.167 Å, c = 7.1455 Å
Ratio:
a:b:c = 0.4 : 1 : 0.237
Unit Cell V:
2,602.22 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
4
Morphology:
Crystals pseudohexagonal, tabular on {001}, may be elongated along [110], to 5 mm
Twinning:
Very common, on {110} and {111}, the latter producing sector-twinned aragonite-like groups
Comment:
Space Group: Pbn21
Crystal Structure
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0006120 | Billietite | Finch R J, Burns P C, Hawthorne F C, Ewing R C (2006) Refinement of the crystal structure of billietite, Ba [(UO2)6 O4 (OH)6] (H2O)8 The Canadian Mineralogist 44 1197-1205 |  | 2006 | Shaba, Democratic Republic of Congo | 0 | 293 |
| 0001133 | Billietite | Pagoaga M K, Appleman D E, Stewart J M (1987) Crystal structures and crystal chemistry of the uranyl oxide hydrates becquerelite, billietite, and protasite match those published American Mineralogist 72 1230-1238 | | 1987 | Shinkolobwe mine, Shaba, Zaire | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.53 Å | (10) |
| 3.77 Å | (9) |
| 3.17 Å | (8) |
| 2.03 Å | (6) |
| 3.54 Å | (5) |
| 2.49 Å | (4) |
| 2.56 Å | (3) |
Comments:
Recorded on material from Shinkolobwe, Congo
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] |
Geological Setting:
An uncommon alteration product of uraninite
Type Occurrence of Billietite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Crystals pseudohexagonal
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (No. 104455);
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA (No. 160496)
National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., USA (No. 160496)
Geological Setting of Type Material:
An alteration product of uraninite
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Other Language Names for Billietite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 32 photos of Billietite associated with Uranophane | Ca(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 5H2O |
| 15 photos of Billietite associated with Rutherfordine | (UO2)CO3 |
| 10 photos of Billietite associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
| 9 photos of Billietite associated with Becquerelite | Ca(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 8H2O |
| 9 photos of Billietite associated with Cuprosklodowskite | Cu(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 6H2O |
| 8 photos of Billietite associated with Vandenbrandeite | Cu(UO2)(OH)4 |
| 7 photos of Billietite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 5 photos of Billietite associated with Torbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 12H2O |
| 4 photos of Billietite associated with Sklodowskite | Mg(UO2)2(SiO3OH)2 · 6H2O |
| 4 photos of Billietite associated with Roubaultite | Cu2(UO2)3(CO3)2O2(OH)2 · 4H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.GB.05 | Rameauite | K2Ca(UO2)6O6(OH)4 · 6H2O |
| 4.GB.05 | Agrinierite | K2(Ca,Sr)[(UO2)3O3(OH)2]2 · 5H2O |
| 4.GB.05 | Compreignacite | K2(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 7H2O |
| 4.GB.10 | Becquerelite | Ca(UO2)6O4(OH)6 · 8H2O |
| 4.GB.10 | Protasite | Ba(UO2)3O3(OH)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.15 | Richetite | (Fe3+,Mg)Pb 8.6(UO2)36O36(OH)24 · 41H2O |
| 4.GB.20 | Calciouranoite | (Ca,Ba,Pb)U2O7 · 5H2O |
| 4.GB.20 | Bauranoite | Ba(UO2)2(OH)6 · 1-2H2O |
| 4.GB.20 | Metacalciouranoite | (Ca,Ba,Pb,K2)U2O7 · 2H2O |
| 4.GB.25 | Fourmarierite | Pb(UO2)4O3(OH)4 · 4H2O |
| 4.GB.30 | Wölsendorfite | Pb7(UO2)14O19(OH)4 · 12H2O |
| 4.GB.35 | Masuyite | Pb(UO2)3O3(OH)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.40 | Vandendriesscheite | PbU7O22 · 12H2O |
| 4.GB.40 | Metavandendriesscheite | PbU7O22 · nH2O n < 12 |
| 4.GB.45 | Vandenbrandeite | Cu(UO2)(OH)4 |
| 4.GB.50 | Sayrite | Pb2(UO2)5O6(OH)2 · 4H2O |
| 4.GB.55 | Curite | Pb3(H2O)2[(UO2)4O4(OH)3]2 |
| 4.GB.60 | Iriginite | (UO2)Mo2O7 · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.65 | Uranosphaerite | Bi(UO2)O2(OH) |
| 4.GB.70 | Holfertite | CaxU6+2-xTi(O8-xOH4x) · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.75 | Carlosbarbosaite | (UO2)2Nb2O6(OH)2 · 2H2O |
| 4.GB.80 | Gauthierite | KPb[(UO2)7O5(OH)7] · 8H2O |
| 4.GB.85 | Kroupaite | KPb0.5[(UO2)8O4(OH)10] · 10H2O |
| 4.GB.90 | Leesite | K(H2O)2[(UO2)4O2(OH)5] · 3H2O |
| 4.GB.95 | Shinkolobweite | Pb1.333[U5+O(OH)(UO2)5O4.67(OH)5.33](H2O)5 |
| 4.GB.95 | Nollmotzite | Mg[U5+(U6+O2)2O4F3] · 4H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 71.5663% | 17,891,575 | 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
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 Billietite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-674.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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References for Billietite
Reference List:
Frondel, Judith W., Cuttitta, Frank (1953) Studies of uranium minerals (XII) : The status of billietite and Becquerelite. American Mineralogist, 38 (11-12) 1019-1024
Frondel, Clifford (1958) Systematic mineralogy of uranium and thorium. Bulletin 1064. US Geological Survey doi:10.3133/b1064 pp.68-72
Christ, C. L., Clark, J. R. (1960) Crystal chemical studies of some uranyl oxide hydrates. American Mineralogist, 45 (9-10) 1026-1061
Pagoaga, M. Katherine, Appleman, Daniel E., Stewart, James M. (1987) Crystal structures and crystal chemistry of the uranyl oxide hydrates becquerelite, billietite, and protasite. American Mineralogist, 72 (11-12) 1230-1238
Vochten, R., Van Haverbeke, L. (1990) Transformation of schoepite into the uranyl oxide hydrates: Becquerelite, billietite and wölsendorfite. Mineralogy and Petrology, 43 (1) 65-72 doi:10.1007/bf01164222
Burns, Peter C. (2005) U6+ minerals and inorganic compounds: insights into an expanded structural hierarchy of crystal structures. The Canadian Mineralogist, 43 (6) 1839-1894 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.43.6.1839
Finch, R. J., Burns, P. C., Hawthorne, F. C., Ewing, R. C. (2006) Refinement of the crystal structure of billietite, Ba[(UO2)6O4(OH)6](H2O)8. The Canadian Mineralogist, 44 (5) 1197-1205 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.44.5.1197
Frost, Ray L., Čejka, Jiří, Weier, Matt L. (2007) Raman spectroscopic study of the uranyl oxyhydroxide hydrates: becquerelite, billietite, curite, schoepite and vandendriesscheite. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 38 (4). 460-466 doi:10.1002/jrs.1669
Localities for Billietite
Showing 44 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.
Australia | |
| Brugger et al. (2003) +1 other reference |
Brazil | |
| Pires et al. (2014) |
China | |
| Dahlkamp (2009) |
Czech Republic | |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Collected by Jan Hloušek +2 other references |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
DR Congo (TL) | |
| 304 [278]. +5 other references |
| KMMA | |
| KMMA +1 other reference |
| Thorne (n.d.) +1 other reference |
| Anthony (1997) +1 other reference |
France | |
| Meisser (2012) |
| Denis Vernet - personnal |
| OLLIC Pascal Collection +1 other reference |
| - (1998) |
| - (1998) +1 other reference | |
| - (1998) |
| Haas (n.d.) |
| Anthony (1997) |
| "minéraux uranifères +2 other references |
| Bariand et al. (1993) +2 other references |
Germany | |
| Kolitsch (1997) +1 other reference |
| |
| |
| |
| Walenta (1992) |
| Collection Elmar Lackner |
| Anthony (1997) +1 other reference | |
| N. Jb. Miner. Abh. 115 (1971) |
| Schnorrer-Köhler (1991) +1 other reference |
Italy | |
| Ciriotti et al. (2010) |
| Campostrini I. (2013) |
| Campostrini et al. (2006) |
Peru | |
| Li (2016) |
Spain | |
| Abella et al. (2009) |
Sweden | |
| |
Switzerland | |
| |
| Stalder et al. (1998) |
| Meisser (2012) | |
| Wulser P.A. et al. 2005 |
USA | |
| Lapham et al. (1976) |
| Anthony (1997) |
| Min News 16:1 p1 |
Quick NavTopAbout BillietiteUnique IdentifiersSimilar NamesIMA Classification Classification Mineral SymbolsPhysical Properties Optical Data Chemistry Crystallography Crystal StructureX-Ray Powder DiffractionGeological EnvironmentType Occurrence Other LanguagesCommon AssociatesStrunz-MindatRadioactivityOther InformationInternet Links References Localities Locality List
Shinkolobwe Mine, Shinkolobwe, Kambove Territory, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo