HYDROWOODWARDITE Meaning and
Definition
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Hydrowoodwardite is a mineral that belongs to the double salt group. It is a complex hydrated uranium-zinc sulfate-carbonate mineral. The name "hydrowoodwardite" derives from the combination of "hydro" for the hydrated form and "woodwardite," which is a related mineral.
Hydrowoodwardite typically forms as green or yellowish-green crystal aggregates or thin crusts on the surface of underground mine walls or ore veins. It has an amorphous to vitreous luster and a pale green streak. This mineral has a hardness of 2.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft.
Chemically, hydrowoodwardite is composed of essential elements including hydrated zinc, uranium, sulfate, and carbonate. Its chemical formula can be written as (NH4,UO2)4(Zn SO4)(OH)6·5H2O. The presence of ammonium in its composition is noteworthy.
Hydrowoodwardite is mostly found in oxidized, uranium-rich ore deposits. It is usually associated with other secondary uranium minerals like cuprosklodowskite and curite. An interesting property of hydrowoodwardite is that it is fluorescent, emitting a bright green color under ultraviolet light.
While hydrowoodwardite has no significant commercial uses due to its rarity, it is highly valued by mineral collectors for its unique crystal formations and distinctive fluorescence. As a naturally occurring mineral, its discovery and study provide insights into the geological processes that occur in uranium-rich environments.
Etymology of HYDROWOODWARDITE
The word "hydrowoodwardite" is a scientific term used to refer to a mineral that belongs to the sulfate mineral group. It is named after the English geologist and mineralogist Henry Woodward (1832–1921). The suffix "ite" is commonly used in mineralogical nomenclature to designate minerals. The prefix "hydro" in this case likely refers to the presence of water within the mineral structure, as water molecules are often a constituent part of sulfate minerals.
