Uranyl octahedra and phosphate tetrahedra linked via shared corners in the mineral uranospathite — Photo: Klaproth · CC BY-SA 4.0
Uranospathite
Uranospathite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the phosphate class, with the chemical formula (Al, )(UO₂)₂F(PO₄)₂·20H₂O.
It crystallizes in the orthorhombic crystal system (space group Pnn2).
Key properties: Mohs hardness 2–2.5; specific gravity 2.5; optically biaxial.
IMA symbol Ush, grandfathered status — known before the IMA’s founding, named in 1915.
A rare secondary mineral found in the oxidized zone of uranium-bearing hydrothermal mineral deposits.
It is found associated with Bassetite.
The name refers to its content of uranium and the Greek for a “broad blade”, an allusion to the bladed character of its crystals.