Seaborgite

Chemical formula: LiK₂Na₆(U⁶⁺O₂)(S⁶⁺O₄)₅(S⁶⁺O₃OH)(H₂O)

Seaborgite is a very rare, transparent, pale yellow uranyl mineral, discovered in the Blue Lizard Mine in Utah, USA.

## Characteristics Seaborgite is a complex, hydrated uranyl, sodium, potassium, and lithium sulfate. It forms very small, tabular crystals that rarely exceed 1 mm in length. They usually occur as radial or tangled aggregates. It is a transparent mineral with a pale yellow color and a vitreous luster. Due to its uranium content, it exhibits strong, green fluorescence under ultraviolet light. ## Physical Properties This mineral is relatively soft, with a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, meaning it can be scratched with a fingernail. It has a density of 2.97 g/cm³, and its crystals exhibit cleavage in one direction. The fracture is conchoidal. It is transparent and has a very pale yellow streak. ## Colors and Varieties Seaborgite occurs in a uniform, pale yellow color. No color or commercial varieties have been distinguished. ## History and Name The mineral was described in 2018 by Anthony R. Kampf, Jakub Plášil, Travis A. Olds, and Joe Marty. The name honors Glenn T. Seaborg (1912-1999), an American chemist and nuclear physicist, Nobel laureate in Chemistry in 1951 for his discoveries in the chemistry of transuranium elements. The type locality, the first place of discovery, is the Blue Lizard Mine in San Juan County, Utah, USA. ## Uses Seaborgite, as a microscopic and extremely rare mineral, has no industrial application. It is solely of scientific and collector's interest for specialized collectors of uranium minerals and micromounts.

Properties

Mohs hardness
2.5
Luster
Vitreous
Streak
Very pale yellow
Density
2.97
Cleavage
On {100}
Fracture
Conchoidal
Transparency
Transparent
Crystal system
Triclinic

Diagnostic features

## Identification Characteristic features of seaborgite include its pale yellow color, tabular crystal habit forming radial aggregates, and very strong green fluorescence under UV light. Its occurrence in paragenesis with other secondary uranium minerals on sandstone is also a key indicator. ## Distinguishing from Similar Minerals Seaborgite can be confused with other yellow secondary uranyl minerals, such as uranophane, carnotite, or tyuyamunite. Distinguishing it requires advanced analytical methods, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) or chemical analysis (EDS), due to the microscopic size of the crystals and visual similarity to other uranyl sulfates. ## Crystal Forms Seaborgite crystals are very small, thin, and tabular, with a bladed habit. They most often form radial, stellate, or tangled aggregates on the surface of the host rock.

Geological environment

## Genesis Seaborgite is a secondary uranium mineral. It forms in the oxidation zone of uranium deposits in sedimentary rocks, in this case, sandstones. It forms as a result of the weathering of primary uranium minerals (such as uraninite) in a dry, desert climate. Its components (sodium, potassium, sulfur) originate from groundwater and surrounding minerals. ## Mineral Associations This mineral co-occurs with other secondary uranyl sulfates. At the type locality, it was found in association with minerals such as johannite, deliensite, natrozippeite, gypsum, as well as newly described minerals like bluelizardite, redcanyonite, and leesite. ## Localities The only confirmed locality for seaborgite in the world is its type locality - the Blue Lizard Mine, located in Red Canyon, San Juan County, Utah, USA.

Rarity

Extremely rare

For collectors

## Quality Criteria The quality of seaborgite specimens is assessed based on the size and development of crystal aggregates. The most desirable specimens are those with distinct, radial or stellate clusters of well-formed, lustrous crystals. The aesthetics of the matrix (host rock) and the absence of damage to the delicate crystals are also important. ## Popular Localities The only source of seaborgite specimens is the Blue Lizard Mine in Utah, USA. All specimens available on the collector's market originate from this single location.

Care and storage

## Cleaning Seaborgite specimens are extremely delicate and fragile. Mechanical cleaning is not recommended. If absolutely necessary, compressed air can be used from a safe distance to remove dust. Avoid contact with water and any chemicals. ## What to Avoid As a uranyl mineral, seaborgite is radioactive and requires careful handling. Avoid direct, prolonged skin contact, and wash hands after any contact. Do not ingest it or inhale its dust. It is sensitive to moisture and temperature changes. Protect it from direct sunlight, which can cause its degradation. ## Storage Specimens should be stored in tightly sealed, labeled containers, preferably in special "micromount" boxes, which protect them from mechanical damage and dust. Due to radioactivity, collections of uranium minerals should be kept away from areas of constant human presence, especially bedrooms and living rooms.

External references

Sources

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