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Natrozippeite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Natrozippeite
Formula:
Na5(UO2)8(SO4)4O5(OH)3 · 12H2O
Colour:
Yellow to greenish yellow or yellowish green
Lustre:
Dull, Earthy
Hardness:
5 - 5½
Specific Gravity:
4.517 (Calculated)
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Member of:
Name:
Named sodium-zippeite in 1976 for its composition with dominant sodium, and its relationship to zippeite. Renamed to natrozippeite by the IMA in 2008 (Burke 2008).
Visually indistinguishable from some other common members of the zippeite group including zippeite and ammoniozippeite. NOTE: Many of the specimens that are labeled "zippeite" are actually natrozippeite (the sodium-dominant member of the group), especially those from sedimentary deposits.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
3694
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:3694:4
Classification of Natrozippeite
The zippeite-type sheet
The uranyl sulfate sheet topology found in the members of the zippeite group.
IMA Classification of Natrozippeite
Approved
IMA Formula:
Na5(U6+O2)8(S6+O4)4O5(OH)3·12H2O
Approval year:
1971
First published:
1976
7.EC.05
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
E : Uranyl sulfates
C : With medium-sized and large cations
7 : SULFATES (selenates, tellurates, chromates, molybdates, wolframates)
E : Uranyl sulfates
C : With medium-sized and large cations
Dana 7th ed.:
31.10.4.2
31.10.4.2
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
10 : Miscellaneous
31 : HYDRATED SULFATES CONTAINING HYDROXYL OR HALOGEN
10 : Miscellaneous
25.8.10
25 : Sulphates
8 : Sulphates of Sb, V, Cr and U
25 : Sulphates
8 : Sulphates of Sb, V, Cr and 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nzip | IMA–CNMNC | Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43 |
Pronunciation of Natrozippeite
Pronunciation:
| Play | Recorded by | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Jolyon Ralph | United Kingdom |
Physical Properties of Natrozippeite
Dull, Earthy
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Yellow to greenish yellow or yellowish green
Streak:
Yellow
Hardness:
5 - 5½ on Mohs scale
Cleavage:
Perfect
Parallel to flattening of grains.
Parallel to flattening of grains.
Fracture:
Micaceous
Density:
4.517 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Optical Data of Natrozippeite
Type:
Biaxial (-)
RI values:
nα = 1.63 nβ = 1.69 nγ = 1.738
2V:
Measured: 80° , Calculated: 80°
Birefringence:
0.100-0.109
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.108
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. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
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. Each grain retains its interference colour (retardation) while its brightness falls to black at extinction and reaches a maximum between extinction positions.
Surface Relief:
Very High (positive)
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
Relative to Canada balsam mounting medium (n ≈ 1.537).
This shows the grain boundary and Becke line effect under plane-polarised
light, based on the contrast between this mineral's average refractive
index and the mounting medium. It does not take into account mineral
colouration.
In focus
Interference Figure:
This shows the idealized biaxial acute bisectrix (Bxa) interference figure
- the conoscopic view for a grain cut perpendicular to the acute bisectrix, using
this mineral's 2V. The two small white dots mark the melatopes - the points
where the two optic axes emerge - and are shown only when they fall within the
field of view. The coloured bands are isochromatics, and the dark bands are
isogyres.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Rotate the stage: at 0°/90° the isogyres form a cross through the melatopes; at 45° they pull apart into curved hyperbolas. That splitting on rotation - absent in a uniaxial figure - is the standard diagnostic test for telling biaxial minerals from uniaxial ones. If 2V is large, the melatopes may fall outside the field of view, as they often do at the microscope too.
Dispersion:
relatively strong
Pleochroism:
Strong
Comments:
Colorless to yellow
Chemistry of Natrozippeite
Mindat Formula:
Na5(UO2)8(SO4)4O5(OH)3 · 12H2O
Element Weights:
Crystallography of Natrozippeite
Crystal System:
Monoclinic
Class (H-M):
2/m - Prismatic
Space Group:
P21/m
Setting:
P21/m
Cell Parameters:
a = 17.6425(11) Å, b = 14.6272(9) Å, c = 17.6922(11) Å
β = 104.461(1)°
β = 104.461(1)°
Ratio:
a:b:c = 1.206 : 1 : 1.21
Unit Cell V:
4,421.01 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Morphology:
Found as earthy to velvety patches or crusts of earthy yellow mineral, rarely as micro-crystals.
Twinning:
Reported as common, but no morphology given.
Comment:
Pronounced pseudo-cells may be 5 x b
Crystal Structure
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Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
Unit Cell | Unit Cell Packed
2x2x2 | 3x3x3 | 4x4x4
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CIF File Best | x | y | z | a | b | c
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Labels
Console Off | On | Grey | Yellow
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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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0005848 | Natrozippeite | Burns P C, Deely K M, Hayden L A (2003) The crystal chemistry of the zippeite group Sample : Sodium-zippeite The Canadian Mineralogist 41 687-706 |  | 2003 | 0 | 293 | |
| 0005848 | Natrozippeite | Burns P C, Deely K M, Hayden L A (2003) The crystal chemistry of the zippeite group Sample : Sodium-zippeite The Canadian Mineralogist 41 687-706 | | 2003 | 0 | 293 |
CIF Raw Data - click here to close
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 7.34 Å | (100) |
| 3.75 Å | (10) |
| 3.66 Å | (50) |
| 3.49 Å | (40) |
| 3.15 Å | (40) |
| 2.86 Å | (20) |
| 2.12 Å | (10) |
| 1.75 Å | (10) |
Comments:
Data collected on synthetic material
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47b : [Sulfates and sulfites] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] | |
| Stage 10b: Anthropogenic minerals | <10 Ka |
| 55 : Anthropogenic mine minerals |
Geological Setting:
A secondary mineral of uranium mineral deposits, frequently if not most commonly as post-mine growths.
Type Occurrence of Natrozippeite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Velvety crusts of minute yellow masses and rare crystals.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
n.d.
Geological Setting of Type Material:
Post-mine encrustation and/or supergene in origin.
Synonyms of Natrozippeite
Other Language Names for Natrozippeite
Relationship of Natrozippeite to other Species
Member of:
Other Members of Zippeite Group:
| Ammoniozippeite | (NH4)2[(UO2)2(SO4)O2] · H2O | Orth. mmm(2/m2/m2/m) : Cmca |
| Cobaltzippeite | Co(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Magnesiozippeite | Mg(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Nickelzippeite | Ni2(UO2)6(SO4)3(OH)10 · 16H2O | Mon. |
| Plavnoite | K0.8Mn0.6[(UO2)2O2(SO4)] · 3.5H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Pseudojohannite | Cu3(UO2)4(SO4)2O4(OH)2 · 12H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Sejkoraite-(Y) | Y2(UO2)8(SO4)4O6(OH)2 · 26H2O | Tric. 1 : P1 |
| Zinczippeite | Zn(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O | Mon. 2/m : B2/m |
| Zippeite | K3(UO2)4(SO4)2O3(OH) · 3H2O | Mon. 2 : B2 |
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 34 photos of Natrozippeite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 32 photos of Natrozippeite associated with Uraninite | UO2 |
| 19 photos of Natrozippeite associated with Marécottite | Mg3(UO2)8(SO4)4O6(OH)2 · 28H2O |
| 13 photos of Natrozippeite associated with 'Sandstone' | |
| 11 photos of Natrozippeite associated with Pseudojohannite | Cu3(UO2)4(SO4)2O4(OH)2 · 12H2O |
| 11 photos of Natrozippeite associated with Andersonite | Na2Ca(UO2)(CO3)3 · 5.33H2O |
| 10 photos of Natrozippeite associated with Nickelzippeite | Ni2(UO2)6(SO4)3(OH)10 · 16H2O |
| 9 photos of Natrozippeite associated with 'Petrified Wood' | |
| 8 photos of Natrozippeite associated with Johannite | Cu(UO2)2(SO4)2(OH)2 · 8H2O |
| 6 photos of Natrozippeite associated with Autunite | Ca(UO2)2(PO4)2 · 10-12H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 7.EC. | Nitscheite | (NH4)2[(UO2)2(SO4)3(H2O)2] · 3H2O |
| 7.EC. | Beshtauite | (NH4)2(UO2)(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.EC. | Oldsite-(K) | K2Fe2+[(UO2)(SO4)2]2(H2O)8 |
| 7.EC. | Adolfpateraite | K(UO2)(SO4)(OH)(H2O) |
| 7.EC. | Libbyite | (NH4)2(Na2◻)[(UO2)2(SO4)3(H2O)]2 · 7H2O |
| 7.EC. | Seaborgite | LiK2Na6(UO2)(SO4)5(SO3OH)(H2O) |
| 7.EC.05 | Zinczippeite | Zn(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O |
| 7.EC.05 | Zippeite | K3(UO2)4(SO4)2O3(OH) · 3H2O |
| 7.EC.05 | Cobaltzippeite | Co(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O |
| 7.EC.05 | Nickelzippeite | Ni2(UO2)6(SO4)3(OH)10 · 16H2O |
| 7.EC.05 | Redcanyonite | (NH4)2Mn[(UO2)4O4(SO4)2](H2O)4 |
| 7.EC.05 | Magnesiozippeite | Mg(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O |
| 7.EC.05 | Ammoniozippeite | (NH4)2[(UO2)2(SO4)O2] · H2O |
| 7.EC.05 | Plavnoite | K0.8Mn0.6[(UO2)2O2(SO4)] · 3.5H2O |
| 7.EC.10 | Rabejacite | Ca(UO2)4(SO4)2(OH)6 · 6H2O |
| 7.EC.10 | Svornostite-(NH4) | (NH4)2Mg(UO2)2(SO4)4(H2O)8 |
| 7.EC.10 | Svornostite-(K) | K2Mg[(UO2)(SO4)2]2(H2O)8 |
| 7.EC.15 | Sejkoraite-(Y) | Y2(UO2)8(SO4)4O6(OH)2 · 26H2O |
| 7.EC.15 | Marécottite | Mg3(UO2)8(SO4)4O6(OH)2 · 28H2O |
| 7.EC.15 | Hubbardite | Mg(H2O)6[(UO2)2O(OH)(SO4)]2 · 8H2O |
| 7.EC.20 | Pseudojohannite | Cu3(UO2)4(SO4)2O4(OH)2 · 12H2O |
| 7.EC.40 | Bluelizardite | Na7(UO2)(SO4)4Cl(H2O)2 |
| 7.EC.45 | Meisserite | Na5(UO2)(SO4)3(SO3OH)(H2O) |
| 7.EC.45 | Fermiite | Na4(UO2)(SO4)3 · 3H2O |
| 7.EC.45 | Oppenheimerite | Na2(UO2)(SO4)2 · 3H2O |
| 7.EC.50 | Feynmanite | Na(UO2)(SO4)(OH) · 3.5H2O |
| 7.EC.50 | Plášilite | Na(UO2)(SO4)(OH) · 2H2O |
| 7.EC.55 | Geschieberite | K2(UO2)(SO4)2 · 2H2O |
| 7.EC.60 | Ottohahnite | Na6(UO2)2(SO4)5(H2O)7 · 1.5H2O |
| 7.EC.65 | Péligotite | Na6(UO2)(SO4)4 · 4H2O |
| 7.EC.70 | Klaprothite | Na6(UO2)(SO4)4 · 4H2O |
| 7.EC.75 | Lussierite | Na10[(UO2)(SO4)4](SO4)2 · 3(H2O) |
| 7.EC.80 | Navrotskyite | K2Na10(UO2)3(SO4)9 · 2H2O |
| 7.EC.85 | Pseudomeisserite-(NH4) | (NH4)2Na4[(UO2)2(SO4)5] · 4H2O |
| 7.EC.90 | Wetherillite | Na2Mg(UO2)2(SO4)4 · 18H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 63.3345% | 15,833,625 | 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
Fluorescence of Natrozippeite
Bright yellow in both SW and LW.
Other Information
Thermal Behaviour:
Small amount of water (= 0.5 %) may be lost at 101 degrees C.
Health Risks:
Naturally radioactive.
Internet Links for Natrozippeite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-3694.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
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External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Natrozippeite
Reference List:
Ondruš, P., Veselovský, F., Hloušek, J., Skála, R., Vavřín, I., Frýda, J., Čejka, J., Gabašová, A. (1997) Secondary minerals of the Jáchymov (Joachimsthal) ore district. Journal of the Czech Geological Society, 42 (4). 3-69
Burns, P. C., Deely, K. M., Hayden, L. A. (2003) The crystal chemistry of the zippeite group. The Canadian Mineralogist, 41 (3). 687-706 doi:10.2113/gscanmin.41.3.687
Localities for Natrozippeite
Showing 66 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.
Argentina | |
| Brodtkorb et al. (3) |
Czech Republic | |
| Plášil |
| Desor (09/2025) |
| Hloušek et al. (2002) |
| Desor (04/2022) |
| McCollam (2002) |
| Števko et al. (2010) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| Pauliš P. et al. (Kutna Hora, issue 1) |
| - (1993) |
| Petr Pauliš | |
| Petr Pauliš | |
| Petr Pauliš | |
France | |
| Fred Bonnet Collection |
| Plášil et al. (2012) |
Germany | |
| Matthias Reinhardt collection (SEM-EDS- and Raman-analysed by Joy Desor) |
| Desor (01/21) |
| XRD and EDX analysis Thomas Witzke. |
| Wittern (2001) | |
| Witzke (1996) +1 other reference |
Hungary | |
| Szakáll Sándor et al. (2016) +1 other reference |
Mexico | |
| Hernández-Herrera et al. (2025) |
New Zealand | |
| Collection of RJ Martin |
Romania | |
| HÎRTOPANU et al. (2025) |
Russia | |
| Pavel M. Kartashov (n.d.) |
Slovakia | |
| Števko M. et al. (2012) |
Spain | |
| Joy Desor ID by Raman spectroscopy. +2 other references |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) | |
| www.foro-minerales.com (n.d.) |
Switzerland | |
| Meisser (2012) |
UK | |
| Golley et al. (1995) +1 other reference |
| MINERALOGICAL MAGAZINE (1993) | |
USA | |
| Anthony et al. (1995) |
| Frondel et al. (1976) +1 other reference |
| Eckel et al. (1997) |
| Carnegie Museum of Natural History ... |
| Kampf et al. (2019) |
| Eckel et al. (1997) | |
| McCollam (2002) +1 other reference |
| Caldwell (2018) |
| Northrop et al. (1996) +1 other reference | |
| Eric Quinter collection |
| McCollam (2002) | |
| Frondel et al. (1976) |
| Rocks & Min.:57:249. +1 other reference | |
| Kim Gorall |
| Nikischer (2024) |
| Collected by Michael Cline |
| Kasatkin et al. (2014) +1 other reference |
| Thomspon et al. (1956) +2 other references |
| McCollam (2002) | |
| Can Min 14:429-436 |
| Can Min 14:429-436 |
| Kampf et al. (2012) |
| Kampf et al. (2012) | |
| Joe Marty Collection |
| Can Min 14:429-436 |
| Collected by and in the collections of ... +1 other reference |
| Collected and analyzed by Joy Desor. | |
| Hålenius et al. (2015) +2 other references | |
| Collected by Joe Marty +1 other reference | |
| Plášil et al. (2013) |
| Rick Dalrymple Collection | |
| Can Min 14:429-436 +1 other reference | |
| Can Min 14:429-436 |
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Markey Mine, Red Canyon Mining District, San Juan County, Utah, USA