URANIUM VANURALITE – Extremely Rare Bright Yellow Crystals, Type Locality, Mounana, Gabon

This is an exceptional thumbnail specimen of Vanuralite, a very rare uranyl vanadate mineral of the Carnotite Group, collected at the Mounana Mine in Gabon — the type locality where the species was first described. The crystals display a good degree of formation, allowing the crystal faces to be clearly appreciated, and show the intense, brilliant citron-to-canary yellow color that makes this species so sought after by systematic and secondary-uranium-mineral collectors.

The Mounana Mine was a major uranium deposit worked for around forty years before closing in 1999, and it is now permanently exhausted. This means that no new specimens of Vanuralite are being produced, and existing pieces on the market are the last remaining supply from this historic Gabonese locality — a significant factor of rarity and long-term collectible value.

The specimen is entirely natural, with no artificial treatment, and is extremely compact in size (15 x 12 x 11 mm, weighing just 1 gram), consistent with the typically small and delicate crystal habit of this species. As with all uranyl minerals, it is naturally radioactive due to its uranium content; however, at this size and in normal handling and display conditions it does not represent a health hazard, provided standard commonsense precautions are followed (avoid prolonged close contact, ingestion or inhalation of any fragment, and wash hands after handling).

A rare and scientifically important piece for any advanced mineralogical collection, and a striking, sculptural addition to display cabinets thanks to its vivid, saturated yellow tone.

Vanuralite is a hydrated aluminum uranyl vanadate belonging to the Carnotite Group. Its intense, brilliant yellow color is caused by the uranyl ion (UO₂)²⁺, a chromophore group built into the crystal structure that is characteristic of secondary, oxidized uranium minerals of this type; the specific citron-to-canary yellow hue reflects the particular arrangement of uranyl and vanadate (V₂O₈) groups in the vanuralite structure. The crystals typically form as thin, bladed or platy individuals, often gathered in radial sprays or rosette-like clusters, as can be appreciated on this specimen.

Because it contains uranium, Vanuralite is naturally radioactive; however, in small collector specimens like this one, normal display and handling with commonsense precautions (avoiding prolonged close contact, and never ingesting or inhaling any fragment) does not pose a meaningful health risk. Owners are advised to store the piece away from areas of prolonged close human contact, in line with standard practice for all uranium minerals.

Vanuralite is also chemically unstable in open air: unless sealed or kept in stable, protected conditions, it tends to dehydrate over time into metavanuralite, a related triclinic mineral with a lower water content. For long-term preservation of the bright yellow color and crystal integrity, storage in a sealed display case is recommended.

The Mounana Mine, the type locality of this species, is a now permanently closed and exhausted uranium deposit in Gabon, having operated for roughly forty years before shutting down in 1999 — a status that makes specimens sourced from this locality increasingly scarce.

• Formula: Al(UO₂)₂(V₂O₈)(OH)·11H₂O
• Key chemical elements: Uranium (U), Vanadium (V), Aluminum (Al), Oxygen (O), Hydrogen (H)
• Hardness (Mohs scale): 2
• Mineral class: Vanadates (Uranyl Vanadates, Carnotite Group)
• Crystal system: Monoclinic
• Crystal habit: Bladed to platy crystals, radial clusters/rosettes
• Formation: Secondary alteration mineral in the oxidized zone of a uranium-vanadium sedimentary deposit
• Color: Citron-yellow to canary-yellow, caused by the uranyl chromophore
• Radioactivity: Naturally radioactive due to uranium content; safe for normal display with standard precautions
• Locality status: Type locality; mine closed and exhausted since 1999
• Special features: Chemically unstable, may dehydrate into metavanuralite if not kept sealed

Vanuralite was first described from the Mounana Mine in Gabon, which remains its type locality; the mineral's name is a direct reference to its three main chemical components — VANadium, URanium and ALuminium. It is found in only a very small number of localities worldwide, essentially limited to the Mounana and nearby Oklo mines in Gabon, making genuine specimens like this one especially uncommon outside museum and top-tier private collections.

The Mounana mining district is also historically famous in nuclear science: the nearby Oklo deposit is the site of the only known natural nuclear fission reactors on Earth, which operated spontaneously nearly two billion years ago. The Mounana Mine itself operated for about forty years, producing tens of thousands of tonnes of uranium ore before being permanently closed in 1999, after which the deposit was declared exhausted — a fact that adds considerable rarity to any specimen collected there.

Vanuralite crystals are also chemically unstable over time: unless kept in sealed, protected conditions, they can gradually dehydrate into a related species called metavanuralite, which is one of the reasons well-preserved bright-yellow vanuralite specimens like this one are particularly valued.

In crystal healing traditions, minerals with an intense golden-yellow color such as Vanuralite are often associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra, believed to be a center of personal power, confidence and mental clarity. Yellow minerals are traditionally linked to optimism, joy, and a stimulation of the intellect, encouraging focus and decisiveness. Some practitioners of crystal and lithotherapy consider yellow stones as tools for boosting self-esteem and dispelling mental fog or hesitation. As always, these interpretations are not scientifically proven.

Radioactivity & Safety: Uranium and thorium-bearing mineral specimens contain naturally occurring radioactive elements and should be handled responsibly. Avoid ingestion or inhalation of dust, and wash hands after handling. We recommend storing these specimens away from prolonged close contact and keeping them out of reach of children. These specimens are intended for mineralogical and collector use only, and are shipped in accordance with applicable regulations for natural radioactive minerals.

Photos: All photographs are taken under professional lighting conditions to accurately highlight crystal structure, color and detail. However, slight variations in tone and appearance may occur depending on screen calibration and ambient lighting conditions.

Shipping: is handled through selected reliable express couriers, with fast delivery (often 1–2 business days within Europe), full tracking, insurance coverage and professional protective packaging, as confirmed by customer feedback and reviews.

Multiple purchases can be consolidated into a single shipment, including items from different auctions or separate orders, by simply contacting us to arrange combined shipping. For high-value specimens, direct delivery by appointment is also available, either at home or at major European mineral shows and fairs.