Schoepite
(UO2)8O2(OH)12·12H2O
Locality:
Clara Mine, Rankach valley, Oberwolfach, Wolfach, Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Field of View: 1.10 mm
Originally acicular ianthinite crystals completely altered (dehydrated) into yellow schoepite
Photo: Michael Förch
Schoepite is a rare alteration product of uraninite in hydrothermal uranium deposits. It may also form directly from ianthinite. The mineral presents as a transparent to translucent yellow, lemon yellow, brownish yellow, or amber orthorhombic tabular crystals. Although over 20 other crystal forms have been noted; rarely in microcrystalline aggregates. When exposed to air schoepite converts over a short time to the metaschoepite form within a few months of being exposed to ambient air. Pale green short wave and long wave UV light.
