Dewindtite Locality: Shinkolobwe Mine (Kasolo Mine), Shinkolobwe, Katanga Copper Crescent, Katanga (Shaba), Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaïre) Yellow tabular dewindtite crystals. Field of view 4 mm. — Photo: Leon Hupperichs · CC BY-SA 3.0
Dewindtite
Dewindtite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula H₂Pb₃(UO₂)₆O₄(PO₄)₄·12H₂O.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Bmmb). It is a member of the Phosphuranylite structural group.
Key properties: specific gravity 5.03; Pale yellow streak; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Dew, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1922.
A rare secondary mineral produced through alteration of uraninite or earlier-formed secondary uranium minerals.
It is found associated with Torbernite, parsonsite, dumontite, uraninite (Shinkolobwe, Congo); bergenite, torbernite, autunite, “uranocircite”, barian uranophane (The Streuberg, Germany).
The mineral was named to honor Dr. Jean Dewindt, Belgian geologist.