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Uricite

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Uricite
General
CategoryMineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
C5H4N4O3
Strunz classification10.CA.40
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupP21/a
Unit cella = 14.46 Å, b = 7.4 Å
c = 6.2 Å; β = 65.2°; Z = 4
Identification
ColorYellowish white, colorless, light brown
Mohs scale hardness1-2
StreakWhite
DiaphaneityTranslucent
Specific gravity1.85 (calculated)
Optical propertiesBiaxial
References[1][2][3]

Uricite is a rare organic mineral form of uric acid, C5H4N4O3. It is a soft yellowish white mineral which crystallizes in the monoclinic system.

Discovery and occurrence

It was first described in 1973 for an occurrence in bat guano in Dingo Donga Cave, Eucla, Western Australia.[1] The name is for its composition, anhydrous uric acid. It occurs with biphosphammite, brushite and syngenite at the type locality in Dingo Donga Cave.[2]


References