Boltwoodite

Boltwoodite (HK(UO₂)(SiO₄)•1.5(H₂O) Hydrated Potassium Uranyl Silicate Hydroxide) is a mineral formed from the oxidation and alteration of primary uranium ores. It takes the form of a crust on some sandstones that bear uranium. These crusts tend to be yellowish with a silky or vitreous luster. [1][2]

It is named after Bertram Boltwood (1870-1927) an American pioneer of radiochemistry.

Boltwoodite featured on one of the last stamps issued by South West Africa and was unsusual in having an error in its chemical equation. This was corrected in the rerelease as a Nambian stamp.[3]

References

1. ^ http://www.webmineral.com/data/Boltwoodite.shtml
2. ^ http://www.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/boltwood/boltwood.htm
3. ^ http://www2.ggl.ulaval.ca/personnel/paglover/Stamps_Minerals.htm

List of minerals