How do I identify Uraninite?

Uraninite can be identified by its hardness of 5 - 6 on the Mohs scale, Black color, Greasy, Metallic luster, Isometric crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Uraninite?

Uraninite typically appears in Black, brownish-black, greyish, greenish. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Uraninite?

Uraninite has a hardness of 5 - 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Uraninite

A variety of Uraninite Group

Rare

Uraninite specimen - rock identification

What is Uraninite?

Uraninite is a radioactive mineral that is found around the world. Also called "pitchblende", uraninite is mined for its uranium, which is used to fuel nuclear power plants. Specimens come in a wide variety of weird and intriguing forms, but are rarely sought after by collectors due to the radioactivity.

Etymology & Origins

Uraninite used to be known as pitchblende (from pitch, because of its black color, and blende, from blenden meaning "to deceive", a term used by German miners to denote minerals whose density suggested metal content, but whose exploitation, at the time they were named, was either unknown or not economically feasible).

Uses & Applications

Uraninite is a primary source of uranium, which in turn is used for a variety of purposes, particularly for nuclear power. Because it is radioactive, it can also be used for radiometric dating of rocks, and it historically has been important for understanding the nature of radioactive elements.

Uraninite Market Value Calculator

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

Uraninite Localities Map

See where Uraninite 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

Formation of Uraninite

Uraninite is a major ore of uranium. Some of the highest grade uranium ores in the world were found in the Shinkolobwe mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the initial source for the Manhattan Project) and in the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Another important source of pitchblende is at Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories of Canada, where it is found in large quantities associated with silver. It also occurs in Australia, the Czech Republic, Germany, England, Rwanda, Namibia and South Africa. In the United States, it can be found in the states of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina and Wyoming. The geologist Charles Steen made a fortune on the production of uraninite in his Mi Vida mine in Moab, Utah. Uranium ore is generally processed close to the mine into yellowcake, which is an intermediate step in the processing of uranium.

Health & Safety Information

⚠️Harm Reason: Uraninite is toxic due to its Radioactivity.
⚠️Radioactivity: Uraninite contains radioactive uranium. Radioactivity should be assessed using a Geiger counter before handling. Inhalation of the dust, or keep them by your side for a long time will be hazardous. Keep them in a closed box and in an well-ventilated place. Wash your hand after handling them.
⚠️How to prevent the risks of Uraninite?