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Blatonite
A valid IMA mineral species
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About Blatonite
Dr. Norbert Blaton
Formula:
(UO2)CO3 · H2O
Colour:
Canary yellow
Lustre:
Silky
Hardness:
2 - 3
Specific Gravity:
4.05
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Name:
Named in 1998 by R. Vochten and Michel Deliens in honor of Dr. Norbert Blaton [Zwalm, East-Flanders province, Belgium, May 25 1945-], crystallographer at the University of Leuven, Belgium, a specialist on the crystal structure of uranium minerals.
A secondary uranium mineral.
Chemically, simple uranyl(VI) carbonate monohydrate.
Chemically, simple uranyl(VI) carbonate monohydrate.
Unique Identifiers
Mindat ID:
6826
Long-form identifier:
mindat:1:1:6826:6
Similar Names
| Billitonite | A variety of 'Tektite' |
| Boltonite | A synonym of Forsterite |
IMA Classification of Blatonite
Approved
IMA Formula:
(U6+O2)CO3·H2O
Approval year:
1997
First published:
1998
Classification of Blatonite
5.EB.10
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
B : UO2:CO3 = 1:1
5 : CARBONATES (NITRATES)
E : Uranyl Carbonates
B : UO2:CO3 = 1:1
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Blt | 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 Blatonite
Silky
Transparency:
Translucent
Colour:
Canary yellow
Streak:
White
Hardness:
2 - 3 on Mohs scale
Tenacity:
Flexible
Fracture:
Irregular/Uneven
Density:
4.05(2) g/cm3 (Measured) 4.02 g/cm3 (Calculated)
Comment:
Measured in Clerici solution. Calculated value is based on ideal formula.
Optical Data of Blatonite
Type:
Uniaxial (+)
RI values:
nω = 1.588(2) nε = 1.612(2)
Max. Birefringence:
δ = 0.024
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:
Moderate (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 uniaxial interference figure - the conoscopic
(convergent-light, Bertrand-lens-in) view, for a grain cut with the optic axis
centred and vertical. The coloured rings are isochromatics, computed with the
same physics as the Michel-Lévy bar above; the dark cross is the isogyre.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
For a genuinely uniaxial mineral viewed this way, that cross stays perfectly stationary if you rotate the stage - unlike a biaxial mineral, where it splits apart on rotation. That invariance is itself the standard diagnostic test for telling uniaxial and biaxial minerals apart at the microscope.
Pleochroism:
Non-pleochroic
Comments:
Length fast
Chemistry of Blatonite
Mindat Formula:
(UO2)CO3 · H2O
Element Weights:
Elements listed:
Crystallography of Blatonite
Crystal System:
Hexagonal
Cell Parameters:
a = 15.79(1) Å, c = 23.93(3) Å
Ratio:
a:c = 1 : 1.516
Unit Cell V:
5,166.99 ų (Calculated from Unit Cell)
Z:
36
Comment:
Point Group: n.d.; Space Group: n.d
X-Ray Powder Diffraction
Powder Diffraction Data:
| d-spacing | Intensity |
|---|---|
| 3.056 Å | (100) |
| 6.56 Å | (77) |
| 6.91 Å | (55) |
| 7.86 Å | (47) |
| 4.76 Å | (40) |
| 4.34 Å | (36) |
| 3.39 Å | (33) |
Geological Environment
Paragenetic Mode(s):
| Paragenetic Mode | Earliest Age (Ga) |
|---|---|
| Stage 7: Great Oxidation Event | <2.4 |
| 47a : [Near-surface hydration of prior minerals] | |
| 47c : [Carbonates, phosphates, borates, nitrates] | |
| 47f : [Uranyl (U⁶⁺) minerals] |
Type Occurrence of Blatonite
General Appearance of Type Material:
Very thin asbestiform aggegates; the bundles of needle-shaped subparallel fibers are up to 0.1 mm in width and 1 mm in length. Some crystals are fan-like and terminated.
Place of Conservation of Type Material:
Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels
Geological Setting of Type Material:
oxidized portions of a roll-front-type uranium deposit
Associated Minerals at Type Locality:
Synonyms of Blatonite
Other Language Names for Blatonite
Common Associates
Associations Based on Photo Data:
| 7 photos of Blatonite associated with Gypsum | CaSO4 · 2H2O |
| 2 photos of Blatonite associated with Alunite | KAl3(SO4)2(OH)6 |
| 2 photos of Blatonite associated with Joliotite | (UO2)CO3 · nH2O |
| 2 photos of Blatonite associated with Magnioursilite | Mg4(UO2)4(Si2O5)5(OH)6 · 20H2O |
| 2 photos of Blatonite associated with Malachite | Cu2(CO3)(OH)2 |
| 1 photo of Blatonite associated with Rutherfordine | (UO2)CO3 |
| 1 photo of Blatonite associated with Serpierite | Ca(Cu2+,Zn2+)4(S6+O4)2(OH)6 · 3H2O |
| 1 photo of Blatonite associated with Chukhrovite-(Y) | Ca3YAl2(SO4)F13 · 12H2O |
| 1 photo of Blatonite associated with Magnesiozippeite | Mg(UO2)2(SO4)O2 · 3.5H2O |
| 1 photo of Blatonite associated with Leesite | K(H2O)2[(UO2)4O2(OH)5] · 3H2O |
Related Minerals - Strunz-mindat Grouping
| 5.EB.05 | Rutherfordine | (UO2)CO3 |
| 5.EB.15 | Joliotite | (UO2)CO3 · nH2O |
| 5.EB.20 | Bijvoetite-(Y) | Y8(UO2)16(CO3)16O8(OH)8 · 39H2O |
Radioactivity
Radioactivity:
| Element | % Content | Activity (Bq/kg) | Radiation Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uranium (U) | 68.3889% | 17,097,225 | 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 Blatonite
Fluoresces strongly greenish yellow under 360 nm UV
Other Information
Notes:
Soluble with effervescence in dilute mineral acids and in dilute organic acids such as acetic acid.
Health Risks:
No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.
Internet Links for Blatonite
mindat.org URL:
https://www.mindat.org/min-6826.html
Please feel free to link to this page.
Please feel free to link to this page.
Search Engines:
External Links:
Mineral Dealers:
References for Blatonite
Reference List:
Localities for Blatonite
Showing 9 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.
Czech Republic | |
| Jakub Plasil |
| Travis Olds collection |
Germany | |
| Bayerl et al. (12/21) |
| Möhn et al. (09/2020) |
Italy | |
| Gamboni et al. (2021) |
| Gamboni et al. (2021) |
| //doi.org/10.57635/MICRO.2023.21.9 |
Peru | |
| Douglas Bank Information July 2022 |
USA (TL) | |
| Min News 14:10 p 4 +2 other references |
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Jomac Mine, White Canyon Mining District, San Juan County, Utah, USA