Pale yellow, needle-like swamboite with zonal banded yellow prisms of soddyite from Swambo Mine, Democratic Republic of Congo (Field of view: 5.8 mm). Notice the swamboite in the centre of the picture which "pierces" and penetrates a soddyite crystal. — Photo: BLFrank · CC BY-SA 4.0
Soddyite
A yellow uranium silicate mixed with curite in oxidized uranium ores — named for radiochemist Frederick Soddy.
Intro adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).
Soddyite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the silicate class, with the chemical formula (UO₂)₂(SiO₄)·2H₂O.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Fddd).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 3.5; specific gravity 4.63–4.7; Pale yellow streak; Vitreous to adamantine, dull when earthy luster; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Sod, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1922.
A secondary mineral produced through oxidation of uraninite.
It is found associated with Kasolite, sklodowskite, uranophane, torbernite, curite.
The name refers to Frederick Soddy (1877–1956), British radiochemist.