Tiny pale yellow needles of bluelizardite. From: Blue Lizard Mine, Red Canyon, White Canyon District, San Juan Co., Utah, USA — Photo: Leon Hupperichs · CC BY-SA 3.0
Bluelizardite
Bluelizardite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfate class, with the chemical formula Na₇(UO₂)(SO₄)₄Cl(H₂O)₂.
It crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (space group C2/c).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2; specific gravity 3.116; Yellowish white streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Blz, IMA status: approved, named in 2013.
An oxidation product as efflorescence on tunnel walls in sulfide-bearing sandstone in an abandoned underground Colorado Plateau-type uranium mine.
It is found associated with Chalcanthite, copiapite, ferrinatrite, gypsum, kröhnkite, johannite, and a few new unnamed uranyl sulfates of Na and Mg.
The name refers to the mine that yielded the first specimens.