Carlosbarbosaite Dimensions: 2.0mm x 2.0mm x 2.0mm. FOV: 0.2 mm. Locality: Otjua Mine, Otjua Farm 37, Karibib, Erongo Region, Namibia SEM image of a sample of carlosbarbosaite collected during the pegmatite field trip as part of the 2014 IMA meeting. — Photo: Ricardo Scholz · Public domain
Carlosbarbosaite
Carlosbarbosaite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the oxides & hydroxide class, with the chemical formula (UO₂)₂Nb₂O₆(OH)₂·2H₂O.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Cmcm).
Key properties: specific gravity 4.713; Yellowish white streak; Vitreous luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Cbb, IMA status: approved, named in 2010.
A late-stage cavity filling in albite in a complex pegmatite.
It is found associated with Albite, muscovite, zircon, kaolinite, columbite-(Fe).
The mineral was named to honor Carlos do Prado Barbosa (1917-2003), a chemical engineer, who as a dealer in mineral specimens, promoted the discovery and scientific study of rare mineral species.