Althupite (IMA symbol: Ahp[1]) is a rare aluminium thorium uranyl phosphate mineral with complex formula written as AlTh(UO2)7(PO4)4O2(OH)5·15H2O, from a granitic pegmatite. It is named after its composition (ALuminium, THorium, Uranium, and Phosphorus).[2][3][4]
| Althupite | |
|---|---|
 Yellow crystals of the extremely rare Th-U mineral althupite from the type and only known locality worldwide in Kobokobo (Kobokobo Pegmatite, Mwenga, South Kivu, DR Congo). Vandenbroucke Museum collection from Waregem, Belgium. | |
| General | |
| Category | Mineral |
| Formula (repeating unit) | AlTh(UO2)7(PO4)4O2(OH)5·15H2O |
| IMA symbol | App |
| Identification | |
| Color | Yellow |
| Tenacity | Flexible |
| Mohs scale hardness | 3.5-4 |
| Luster | Vitreous, Sub-Vitreous |
| Streak | Yellow |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.91 |
| Other characteristics |  Radioactive |
References
edit- ^ Warr, L.N. (2021). "IMA-CNMNC approved mineral symbols". Mineralogical Magazine. 85 (3): 291–320. Bibcode:2021MinM...85..291W. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43. S2CID 235729616.
- ^ Piret P. and Deliens M. 1987: Les phosphates d'uranyle et d'aluminium de Kobokobo. IX. L'althupite AlTh(UO2)[(UO2)3O(OH)(PO4)2]2(OH)3·15H2O, nouveau minéral; propriétés et structure cristalline. Bulletin de Mineralogie, 110, 65-72
- ^ http://www.mindat.org/min-149.html Mindat
- ^ http://rruff.geo.arizona.edu/doclib/hom/althupite.pdf Handbook of Mineralogy
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