Fritzscheite
About Fritzscheite
Unique Identifiers
Classification of Fritzscheite
Fritzscheite contains the francevillite sheet topology.
IMA Classification of Fritzscheite
4 : OXIDES (Hydroxides, V[5,6] vanadates, arsenites, antimonites, bismuthites, sulfites, selenites, tellurites, iodates)
H : V[5,6] Vanadates
B : Uranyl Sorovanodates
40 : HYDRATED NORMAL PHOSPHATES,ARSENATES AND VANADATES
2a : AB2(XO4)2·xH2O, containing (UO2)2+
21 : Vanadates (and vanadates with arsenate or phosphate)
4 : Vanadates of U, Mn, Fe or Ni
Mineral Symbols
| Symbol | Source | Reference for Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Fzs | 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 Fritzscheite
Basal, perfect.
Optical Data of Fritzscheite
Chemistry of Fritzscheite
Crystallography of Fritzscheite
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| - Å | () |
Geological Environment
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| High-? alteration and/or metamorphism | |
| 32 : Ba/Mn/Pb/Zn deposits, including metamorphic deposits | |
| Stage 5: Initiation of plate tectonics | <3.5-2.5 |
| 40 : Regional metamorphism (greenschist, amphibolite, granulite facies) | |
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] | |
| 47e : [Vanadates, chromates, manganates] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Fritzscheite
Other Language Names for Fritzscheite
Relationship of Fritzscheite to other Species
| Curienite | Pb(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) |
| Finchite | Sr(UO2)2(V2O8) · 5H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) |
| Francevillite | Ba(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) |
Common Associates
| 1 photo of Fritzscheite associated with Metatorbernite | Cu(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 8H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 4.HB.X | Spanoite | Tl2[(UO2)2(V2O8)] |
| 4.HB.05 | Margaritasite | (Cs,K,H3O)2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · H2O |
| 4.HB.05 | Carnotite | K2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.HB.10 | Sengierite | Cu2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Francevillite | Ba(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Curienite | Pb(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5H2O |
| 4.HB.15 | Finchite | Sr(UO2)2(V2O8) · 5H2O |
| 4.HB.20 | Vanuralite | Al(UO2)2(V2O8)(OH) · 11H2O |
| 4.HB.20 | Metavanuralite | Al(UO2)2(VO4)2(OH) · 8H2O |
| 4.HB.25 | Metatyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 4.HB.25 | Tyuyamunite | Ca(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 5-8H2O |
| 4.HB.30 | Strelkinite | Na2(UO2)2(VO4)2 · 6H2O |
| 4.HB.35 | Uvanite | U6+2V5+6O21 · 15H2O (?) |
| 4.HB.40 | Rauvite | Ca(UO2)2(V10O28) · 16H2O |
| 4.HB.45 | Vandermeerscheite | K2[(UO2)2V2O8] · 2H2O |
Radioactivity
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 53.0762% | 13,269,050 | 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.
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
Internet Links for Fritzscheite
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References for Fritzscheite
Localities for Fritzscheite
Showing 5 localities.
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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.
Czech Republic (TL) | |
| Breithaupt (1865) +1 other reference |
France | |
| Palache et al. (1951) |
Germany (TL) | |
| Breithaupt (1865) |
Romania | |
| HÎRTOPANU et al. (2025) |
Johanngeorgenstadt, Erzgebirgskreis, Saxony, Germany