Adolfpateraite, K(UO2)(SO4)(OH)(H2O), a new uranyl sulphate mineral from Jachymov, Czech Republic

Abstract

Adolfpateraite, monoclinic K(UO2)(SO4)(OH)(H2O), is a new supergene mineral from the Svornost mine, Jáchymov ore district, Czech Republic. It forms sulfur yellow to greenish yellow crystalline aggregates. Crystals are transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster, without observable cleavage. The streak is pale yellow. The Mohs hardness is ~2. Adolfpateraite is monoclinic, space group P21/c, a = 8.0462(1), b = 7.9256(1), c = 11.3206(2) Å, β = 107.726(2)°, V = 687.65(2) Å3, Z = 4. The crystal structure consists of chains of uranyl polyhedra extended along [010], with OH– locate! d on the shared vertex between the bipyramids. The sulfate tetrahedra decorate the outer side of the chain with bridging bidentate linkages between the uranyl pentagonal bipyramids. H2O groups are located on the edges of the chains on the non-linking vertex of each uranyl pentagonal bipyramid.