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

Extremely rare natural specimen of Vanuralite from the Mounana Mine, Gabon — the type locality for this species, where it was first discovered and scientifically described in 1963.

The specimen displays intensely bright, citron-yellow crystals, with the vivid coloration and glassy luster characteristic of this rare uranium-vanadium mineral. As a type locality specimen from a mine that closed in 1999, material like this is becoming genuinely difficult to source on today's market.

Vanuralite is prized by systematic and radioactive mineral collectors alike, both for its rarity and for its striking color — a genuinely uncommon species rarely encountered outside specialized collections.

Vanuralite is a hydrated aluminum uranyl vanadate, belonging to the carnotite group, that forms as a secondary mineral in sedimentary uranium-vanadium deposits — at Mounana, within fractured Precambrian metasandstone, alongside related uranium minerals such as francevillite and curienite.

The crystal system is monoclinic, and vanuralite typically forms small, bladed to platy crystals with a vitreous luster and perfect cleavage. As a uranium-bearing mineral (containing up to approximately 47% uranium by weight), vanuralite is naturally radioactive; standard precautions are recommended for handling — wash hands after contact, avoid ingestion or inhaling any loose dust, and store away from prolonged close body contact.

• Formula: Al(UO₂)₂(V₂O₈)(OH)·8.5H₂O
• Key chemical elements: Aluminum (Al), Uranium (U), Vanadium (V), Oxygen (O), Hydrogen (H)
• Hardness (Mohs scale): 2
• Mineral class: Oxides (Uranyl Sorovanadates, Carnotite group)
• Crystal system: Monoclinic
• Crystal habit: Small bladed to platy crystals
• Formation: Secondary mineral in sedimentary uranium-vanadium deposits
• Color: Citron to canary yellow
• Radioactivity: Naturally radioactive due to uranium content; not hazardous under normal handling with standard precautions
• Locality status: Type locality; mine closed since 1999
• Stability note: Naturally dehydrates to metavanuralite over time unless stored in a sealed container

Vanuralite was first described in 1963 from the Mounana Mine in Gabon, making this specimen's locality the official type locality for the species — the exact place where it was discovered and defined for science.

Vanuralite is naturally unstable when exposed to open air: over time, it gradually dehydrates and converts into a related mineral called metavanuralite. For this reason, specimens are best stored in a sealed container (such as a small glass vial or airtight case) to help preserve their original crystal form and color for longer.

Given its rarity and radioactive nature, Vanuralite does not have an established tradition in crystal healing practices; it is collected primarily for its mineralogical and scientific significance rather than metaphysical use.

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.