Vanuralite
Vanuralite is a rare, radioactive hydrated aluminum uranyl vanadate, part of the carnotite group of uranyl sorovanadates. It typically forms translucent, citron-yellow to canary-yellow platy crystals arranged in compact rosettes, with perfect {001} cleavage and a soft, micaceous feel (Mohs hardness around 2). Its striking color and radioactivity make it a favorite among collectors of secondary uranium-vanadium minerals.
The species was first described in 1963 from the Mounana Mine in Haut-Ogooué Province, Gabon — still its defining type locality — where it occurs in the oxidized zone of a uranium-vanadium-lead deposit alongside francevillite and curienite. The only other confirmed occurrence is the nearby Oklo Mine, also in Gabon, famed for its natural nuclear fission reactors. This extreme geographic rarity — essentially confined to a single mining district — makes genuine specimens highly sought after.
Because vanuralite readily dehydrates to metavanuralite unless sealed, well-preserved specimens are especially prized and are usually kept in protective glass or airtight capsules. For collectors of uranium and vanadium species, radioactive minerals, or rare Gabonese locality material, a documented vanuralite specimen from Mounana or Oklo represents a true rarity for any systematic mineral collection.
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Product type
Minerals collector specimens · Masterpiece our finest pieces · Decorative minerals · Crystal healing
Origin
Continent, country or Italian region where the specimen was found.
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TOP, Aesthetic, Radioactive, Fluorescent, Phosphorescent, Pseudomorphosis, Rare, Rare locality, New find, Systematic, Topographic, Historic.
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