Billietite

billietite

uraninite

fourmarierite

uranophane

Images
Formula: Ba(UO2)6O4(OH)6.8H2O
Hydroxide of barium, uranyl mineral
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Specific gravity: 5.28 to 5.36 measured, 5.3 calculated
Streak: Yellow
Colour: Yellow to golden-yellow, amber-yellow, orange-yellow
Common impurities: Ca,Si
Strongly RADIOACTIVE
Environments

Sedimentary environments
Hydrothermal environments

Billietite is an uncommon alteration product of uraninite. Associated minerals include uranophane, fourmarierite, metatorbernite, rutherfordine, becquerelite, studtite and soddyite (HOM).
Billietite forms deep yellow, pseudo-hexagonal tabular crystals to 5 mm that often show twinning (Lauf2).

Localities

At the type locality, the Shinkolobwe Mine, Shinkolobwe, Kambove District, Haut-Katanga, DR Congo, billietite is an alteration product of uraninite (Mindat), associated with fourmarierite, uranophane and torbernite (Dana).

Billietite from Shinkolobwe - Image

Billietite easily loses water when heated (AM 33.384).

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