Sklodowskite

Sklodowskite
Sklodowskite on gypsum
General
CategoryNesosilicate
FormulaMg(UO2)2(HSiO4)2·5H2O
IMA symbolSds
Strunz classification9.AK.10
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupC2/m
Identification
ColourLight yellow to green-yellow
CleavagePerfect
on {100}
Mohs scale hardness2 - 3
LustreAdamantine, vitreous, silky
StreakYellow
DiaphaneityTransparent, translucent
Density3.54 g/cm3
Other characteristics Radioactive

Sklodowskite is a uranium mineral with the chemical formula: Mg(UO2)2(HSiO4)2·5H2O. It is a secondary mineral which contains magnesium and is a bright yellow colour, its crystal habit is acicular, but can form in other shapes. It has a Mohs hardness of about 2–3. It is named after the maiden name of Marie Skłodowska Curie. It is the magnesium analogue of the much more common uranium mineral Cuprosklodowskite, which contains copper instead.

It was discovered by Alfred Schoep (1881–1966) in 1924.

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