Vandenbrandeite
| Vandenbrandeite | |
|---|---|
| General | |
| Category | Minerals | 
| Formula | Cu(UO2)(OH)4 | 
| IMA symbol | Vbd | 
| Strunz classification | 04.GB.45 | 
| Dana classification | 05.03.02.01 | 
| Crystal system | Triclinic | 
| Crystal class | Triclinic-Pinacoidal | 
| Space group | P1 | 
| Unit cell | 254.99 ų | 
| Identification | |
| Color | Blackish green to dark green with bluish green tint | 
| Cleavage | Perfect on {001}, {110}  Distinct and also indisctinct in the [001] zone  | 
| Fracture | None | 
| Tenacity | Brittle | 
| Mohs scale hardness | 4 | 
| Luster | Vitreous, sub-vitreous, greasy | 
| Streak | Green | 
| Diaphaneity | Transparent, translucent | 
| Specific gravity | 5.03 | 
| Density | 5.03 | 
| Optical properties | Biaxial (-) | 
| Refractive index | nα = 1.765 - 1.770 nβ = 1.780 - 1.792 nγ = 1.800 | 
| Birefringence | 0.035 | 
| Pleochroism | Visible | 
| 2V angle | Measured 90°  Calculated 60°- 88°  | 
| Dispersion | Visible to strong | 
| Ultraviolet fluorescence | None | 
| Other characteristics | Radioactive | 
Vandenbrandeite is a mineral named after a belgian geologist, Pierre Van den Brande, who discovered an ore deposit. It was named in 1932, and has been a valid mineral ever since then.