Kamotoite-(Y)

kamotoite-(Y)

uraninite

supergene

yttrium

Images

Formula: Y2O4(UO2)4(CO3)3.14H2O
Hydrated uranyl carbonate, yttrium-bearing mineral
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Specific gravity: 3.93
Colour: Yellow, bright yellow. Dehydration causes the crystals to become opaque and the colour becomes less intense (Lauf2)
Luminescence: Non-fluorescent
Solubility: Effervesces strongly in dilute hydrochloric acid
Common impurities: Nd,Sm,Gd,Dy
RADIOACTIVE
Environments

Hydrothermal environments

Kamotoite-(Y) is a rare supergene product of uraninite hydration–oxidation weathering (MM 81.653-660).
Associated minerals include pale yellow rosettes of shabaite-(Nd), minute acicular crystals and spherical nodules of uranophane, blue rosettes of astrocyanite-(Ce) and transparent blue-green crystals of schuilingite-(Nd) (Lauf2).

Localities

At the type locality, the Kamoto East Open Cut, Kamoto, Kolwezi mining district, Lualaba, DR Congo, kamotoite-(Y) occurs in the copper-cobalt deposit as crusts of elongate bright yellow blades to 5 mm long on uraninite (AM 73.191).

Kamotoite-(Y) from Kamoto - Image

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