Mathesiusite is a sulfate mineral containing potassium, vanadium, and uranium and has the chemical formula: K5(UO2)4(SO4)4(VO5)·4(H2O). It is a secondary mineral formed during post-mining processes.

Mathesiusite
Yellow microcrystals of the extremely rare uranium mineral mathesiusite (IMA 2013-046) from one of the only two known localities worldwide: North Mesa Mine group, Temple Mountain, Emery County, Utah, United States of America.
General
CategorySulfate mineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
K5(UO2)4(SO4)4(VO5)·4(H2O)
IMA symbolMhe[1]
Strunz classification7.DG.
Crystal systemTetragonal
Crystal classP4/n
Identification
ColorYellowish green
Crystal habitNeedles <0.2 mm in length
CleavagePerfect {010}, good {001}
FractureIrregular/uneven
TenacityBrittle
Mohs scale hardness2
StreakGreenish white
Specific gravity4.02 (calculated)
Optical propertiesUniaxial (−)
Refractive indexnω = 1.634() nε = 1.597(3)
Birefringenceδ = 0.037
Other characteristics Radioactive
References[2][3]

It was discovered in the Jáchymov mining district, Czech Republic and named in 2013 after Johannes Mathesius (1504–1565), who studied minerals from the area (known then as Joachimsthal, Bohemia).[4]

References

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Mathesiusite on Mindat.org
  3. ^ Mathesiusite on Mineralien Atlas
  4. ^ Plášil, J.; Veselovský, F.; Hloušek, J.; Škoda, R.; Novák, M.; Sejkora, J.; Čejka, J.; Škácha, P.; Kasatkin, A.V (April 1, 2014). "Mathesiusite, K5(UO2)4(SO4)4(VO5)(H2O)4, a new uranyl vanadate-sulfate from Jáchymov, Czech Republic". American Mineralogist. 99 (4): 625–632. Bibcode:2014AmMin..99..625P. doi:10.2138/am.2014.4681. S2CID 100677304. Retrieved 13 June 2017.