Radiometrite

Radiometrite is a proposed mineral species described in theoretical and pedagogical contexts as a phosphate- and oxide-rich mineral that concentrates uranium and thorium. The name blends “radio” with the common mineral suffix “-metrite” and is used in discussions of radiometric dating within mineral systems. It is not widely recognized as a natural mineral, and published records remain scarce.

In modeled descriptions, radiometrite would feature a framework of divalent and trivalent cations with phosphate groups, incorporating significant amounts of uranium and thorium. Typical formulations are described as mixed calcium–iron–rare-earth phosphate-oxide solid solutions, with actinides occupying large lattice sites. The crystal structure is treated as low-symmetry to accommodate radiation-induced metamictization.

If it occurs in nature, radiometrite would be expected in highly radiogenic settings such as granitic intrusions, pegmatites, or hydrothermal veins enriched in U and Th. Associated minerals could include monazite, apatite, zircon, and uraninite. Self-irradiation over time would drive metamict alteration, potentially changing its chemistry and texture.

Analytical characteristics would include measurable radioactivity, with gamma emissions from uranium- and thorium-series decays. Physical properties like hardness and density would vary with composition and metamictization. Modern techniques such as electron microprobe analysis, X-ray diffraction, and gamma spectroscopy would be used to characterize specimens.

Radiometrite is primarily of pedagogical and hypothetical interest, used to illustrate radiometric dating concepts and mineral-chemistry constraints in advanced geochemistry discussions. It is not widely cataloged in standard mineral references.