Bicapite
Bicapite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the oxides & hydroxide class, with the chemical formula [KNa₂Mg₂(H₂O)₂₅][H₂PV⁵⁺₁₂O₄₀(V⁵⁺O)₂].
It crystallizes in the tetragonal crystal system (space group I4/m).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 1.5; specific gravity 2.44; Orange streak; Vitreous luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Bic, IMA status: approved, named in 2018.
Formed by the oxidation of montroseite-corvusite assemblages in a moist environment on sandstone in a Colorado Plateau type, roll-front uranium/vanadium deposit.
It is found associated with Gypsum, huemulite, thenardite, montroseite, corvusite.
In recognition of this being the only known mineral with a structure based on a bicapped Keggin anion.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
Browse more B minerals or help write this entry.