URANOPILITE Meaning and
Definition
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Uranopilite is a mineral that belongs to the group of sulfate minerals, specifically compounds containing both uranium and sulfur. It is a fairly rare mineral and is classified as a secondary uranium mineral. The name "uranopilite" is derived from the Greek words "uranos," meaning Uranus, and "pilos," meaning a felt hat, due to its fibrous appearance.
Uranopilite typically forms as slender, acicular or fibrous crystal clusters or as earthy masses. The crystals are usually elongated and can range in color from yellow to green, and occasionally reddish-brown. They have a silky or waxy luster and are often translucent. Uranopilite is relatively soft, with a Mohs hardness of 2 to 2.5, meaning it can be easily scratched with a fingernail.
This mineral is mainly found in uranium-rich deposits or mines, often in association with other uranium-bearing minerals such as uraninite and autunite. It typically forms as a result of the weathering of primary uranium minerals in oxidizing conditions. Uranopilite has a bright fluorescence under ultraviolet light, which is a useful characteristic for its identification.
Due to its association with uranium, uranium minerals like uranopilite are of interest to researchers studying radioactive elements. Understanding the properties and occurrences of minerals like uranopilite can aid in the exploration and development of uranium deposits and provide insight into the geological processes that formed them.
Common Misspellings for URANOPILITE
- yranopilite
- hranopilite
- jranopilite
- iranopilite
- 8ranopilite
- 7ranopilite
- ueanopilite
- udanopilite
- ufanopilite
- utanopilite
- u5anopilite
- u4anopilite
- urznopilite
- ursnopilite
- urwnopilite
- urqnopilite
- urabopilite
- uramopilite
- urajopilite
- urahopilite
