How do I identify Cleusonite?

Cleusonite can be identified by its Black color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Cleusonite?

Cleusonite typically appears in Black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Cleusonite

A variety of Minerals

What is Cleusonite?

Cleusonite is a member of the crichtonite group of minerals with the chemical formula (Pb,Sr)(U,U)(Fe,Zn)2(Ti,Fe,Fe)18(O,OH)38. This group of minerals contains approximately thirteen complex metal titanates. The structures of minerals of this group is complicated by frequent fine-scale twinning and metamictization due to radioactive elements. The crichtonite group consists of members of related mineral species of the type A{BC2D6E12}O38 which are characterized by their predominant cations (as seen in crichtonite (Sr), senaite (Pb), davidite (REE + U), landauite (Na), loveringite (Ca), lindsleyite (Ba), and mathiasite (K).

Cleusonite Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Cleusonite using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Cleusonite Localities Map

See where Cleusonite is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Characteristics of Cleusonite

Cleusonite is seen as a black opaque cm-sized tabular crystal with a bright sub-metallic luster. It does not have any cleavage and has a density of about 4.74(4) g/cm3. The calculated density may vary from 5.02(6) (for untreated crystals) to 5.27(5) (heat-treated crystals); the variations are caused by the cell swelling due to the metamictization. Cleusonite crystals are usually metamict black semimetallic prismatic and associated with quartz.

Composition of Cleusonite

The chemical formula of cleusonite is (Pb,Sr)(U,U)(Fe,Zn)2(Ti,Fe,Fe)18(O,OH)38. The following minerals are also found in the veins of cleusonite; quartz, chlorite, calcite, albite, microcline, tourmaline, fluorapatite, zircon, ilmenite, hematite, titanite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, tennantite, rutile, crichtonite, monazite-(Ce), and native gold. Clausthalite, chalcopyrite, and uraninite are also found in the form of inclusions in cleusonite.