An extension of the Weizsacker mass formula is proposed for the simult
aneous description of normal (i.e. non-strange) nuclei and Lambda hype
rnuclei. The mass formula is inspired by the spin-flavour SU(6) symmet
ry of Gursey and Radicati and includes a Majorana term. Available mass
es of normal nuclei and Lambda hypernuclei are analysed with the formu
la. It is found that the Majorana term successfully replaces the conve
ntional pairing term. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserv
ed.