Vanuralita
Vanuralita is a mineral with formula K₂(UO₂)₂(VO₄)₂·5H₂O, in the Fosfatos group. This specimen comes from Mounana Mine, Franceville, Haut-Ogooué, Gabón.
Description
Thumbnail-sized piece with the upper cavity covered by fine aggregates of intense yellow acicular crystals. Radial sprays form a uniform, lustrous surface on the light grey matrix. Vivid colour, typical of well-preserved vanuralite from Mounana. 0.80 µSv/h
History of this specimen
Mounana vanuralites, despite their small size, are highly sought after for colour intensity and purity of habit. This piece combines lustre, uniform colour and well-preserved crystals; in the current market that easily doubles its purchase value.
About Vanuralita
A uranyl-potassium phosphate-vanadate, yellow to greenish, crystallising in acicular or fibrous habit; a product of the alteration of primary uranium minerals.
About the locality
Type locality for vanuralite. The Mounana Mine, in Gabon, was one of the major African uranium deposits, active between 1958 and 1999. Its oxidation zones yielded vanuralite, autunite and torbernite of intense colour and excellent preservation.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0251
- Composition
- K₂(UO₂)₂(VO₄)₂·5H₂O
- Name
- Vanuralita
- Group
- Fosfatos
- Category
- Núcleus Ardens
- Matrix
- Matriz silícea
- Mine
- Mounana Mine
- District / Municipality
- Franceville
- Province
- Haut-Ogooué
- Country
- Gabón
- Size (cm)
- 1.5 x 1 x 0.5
- Etymology
- From the French "vanadium" and "uranium".
- Quality
- Muy buena
- Value trend
- Al alza