IMA mineral species ⚠ Handle with care

Uraninite

UO₂

Oxide mineral.

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Uraninite specimen
Pichblende.jpg · Wikimedia Commons (see file page for author & license)

Properties

Chemical formulaUO₂
ElementsU, O
Crystal systemCubic
Mohs hardness—
Density11.055 g/cm³
Streak—
Color—
IMA symbolUrn
Nickel–Strunz class4.DL.05

“—” means no reliable value in Wikidata yet. Check Mindat for full data.

⚠ Handle With Care High caution

☢ Radioactive☠ Toxic if ingested😷 Dust / fibre inhalation hazard🚫 Don't make water elixirs

Why: The main uranium ore. It is strongly radioactive, and the decay of its uranium gives off radon gas. Swallowing or breathing in its dust exposes the body to uranium and its radioactive daughter products.

Safe handling: Store in a closed container in a ventilated place away from living areas, and label it. Don't keep it in pockets or bedrooms. Wash your hands after handling, never crush or grind it, and keep it away from children and pets.

Sources: Wikipedia: Uraninite · ATSDR ToxFAQs: Uranium · Mindat: Uraninite. General safety information only, not medical advice. More on safe handling.

🌍 Where it's found

Type locality (where it was first described): Jáchymov, Czech Republic

  • Type locality
  • Notable source / deposit
  • Country of origin

Marker positions are approximate (region or locality level). Type localities from Wikidata; notable sources curated by Crystopedia.

Varieties & related stones