META-LODEVITE

    Class : Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates
    Subclass : Uranyl arsenates
    Crystal system : Tetragonal
    Chemistry : Zn(UO2)2(AsO4)2 10H2O
    Rarity : Very rare

Meta-lodevite (or metalodevite) was discovered in the oxidation zone of a uranium showing called the Rivieral, near the Lodève uranium deposit (Hérault, France) from which it takes its name. Its formation results from the joint alteration of uraninite and sphalerite in an arsenic environment. It associates with other rare oxide minerals of uranium. Meta-lodevite forms fine tetragonal tablets, usually pale yellow to olive green in color, reaching at most 2 mm in edge, sometimes grouped into radiate aggregates.

Main photo : Meta-lodevite from Riviéral, Le Bosc, Lodève, Hérault, France © Frédéric Bonnet

Meta-lodevite in the World

Meta-lodevite, due to the particular context necessary for its formation, is only known in very few deposits in the world. It has been described on the Pribram and Jachymov uranium deposits (Czech Republic), at the Novazza mine (Lombardy, Italy) and at Sterling Hill (New Jersey).

Right photo : Meta-lodevite from Novazza mine, Lombardy, Italy © Italo Campostrini


Meta-lodevite in France

In France, lodevite is known from the uranium deposit in the Lodève basin (Hérault), notably at Riviéral (its type locality), at Rabejac and at Mas d'Alary.

Twinning

No twin known for this mineral species.

Fakes and treatments

No fakes recorded for this mineral species.


Hardness : 2 to 3
Density : 4.01
Fracture : Micaceous
Streak : White

TP : Translucent to transparent
RI : 1.615 to 1.638
Birefringence : 0.023
Optical character : Biaxial -
Pleochroism : None
Fluorescence : Green-yellow

Solubility : -

Magnetism : NoneRadioactivity : Strong